# nuclear option

> English word · Noun

## Definitions
1. In resolving a problem, the possible course of action that is considered the most extreme because of its collateral consequences.
2. A procedure by which the United States Senate can decide any issue with a simple majority, rather than the usual supermajority.

## Etymology
From analogy with the political decision to be the first to use nuclear weapons in a war.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/nuclear-option