nuclear yields

nuclear yields

The energy released in the detonation of a nuclear weapon, measured in terms of the kilotons or megatons of trinitrotoluene required to produce the same energy release. Yields are categorized as follows: very low--less than 1 kiloton; low--1 kiloton to 10 kilotons; medium--over 10 kilotons to 50 kilotons; high--over 50 kilotons to 500 kilotons; very high--over 500 kilotons. See also nominal weapon; subkiloton weapon.

Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms. US Department of Defense 2005.