noun
atomic war; nuclear war
Refers to warfare using atomic or nuclear weapons. Often used in historical or speculative contexts.
原子戦の脅威は冷戦時代に高まった。
The threat of atomic war grew during the Cold War era.
原子戦を防ぐための国際的な取り組みが続いている。
International efforts to prevent nuclear war continue.
原子爆弾 refers specifically to the atomic bomb itself, not the war.
Compound of 原子 (atomic) and 戦 (war). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the term emerged in the mid-20th century alongside nuclear weapons development.