intercontinental ballistic missile

noun

any supersonic missile that has a range of at least 3500 nautical miles (6,500 km) and follows a ballistic trajectory after a powered, guided launching. : ICBM, I.C.B.M.

/ ˌɪntəˌkɒntɪˈnɛntəl /

a missile that follows a ballistic trajectory and has the range to carry a nuclear bomb over 5500 km ICBM

intercontinental ballistic missile

A missile with a long range (five thousand miles or more) that carries nuclear warheads and can be launched from the ground or from submarines. ( See also MIRV .)

First recorded in 1955–60

The parallel progress in the intercontinental ballistic missile effort will be advanced by our plans for acceleration.

The Arias intercontinental ballistic missile program has been marked by rapid development as evidenced by recent successful tests.

The new M-X missile program to enhance our land-based intercontinental ballistic missile force continues to make progress.

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