Nukes

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /njuːks/

Definitions

1. Devices designed to release explosive energy through nuclear reactions
2. colloquial term for powerful weapons capable of mass destruction
3. refers to the act of deploying such weapons in warfare or deterrence strategies

Etymology: "Nukes" is the plural of "nuke," a clipping of "nuclear weapon," so the plural simply means more than one such weapon. The noun was shortened from the longer phrase, and the verb was later formed from that noun, so the familiar sense of deploying these weapons grew out of the same clipping. The clipping itself traces back to "nucleus," the Latin word for a kernel or core, which gave English the adjective "nuclear" through the scientific vocabulary of atomic physics. Speakers trimmed "nuclear weapon" down to "nuke" in informal use, turning a technical term into a short, punchy word that suited newspapers and everyday conversation.

Synonyms: weapons, bombs