Dictionary

noun

Definitions

1. The event of small airborne particles falling to the ground in significant quantities as a result of major industrial activity, volcano eruption, sandstorm, nuclear explosion, etc.

2. The particles themselves.

   Example: On 26 April 1986 the reactor number four at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant located in the Soviet Union near Pripyat in Ukraine exploded. Further explosions and the resulting fire sent a plume of highly radioactive fallout into the atmosphere and over an extensive geographical area.

3. A negative side effect; an undesirable or unexpected consequence.

   Example: Psychological fallout in the shadow of terrorism, title of an article by Dr. Abraham Twerski, M.D. in http//www.jewishworldreview.com.

   Synonyms:blowback

4. A declined offer in a sales transaction when acceptance was presumed.