the energy of an explosion that is equivalent to an explosion of 1,000 tons of TNT. One kiloton equals 1 trillion (1012) calories. See also megaton.
The approximate amount of energy that would be released by the explosion of 1,000 tons of TNT.
A nuclear explosive force equal to 1,000 tons of conventional high explosives (e.g. TNT).
A measure of the power of an atomic bomb, equal to the detonation of 1000 tons of TNT. The first A-bombs had a size of 10-20 kilotons, now regarded as small, tactical weapons.