n.
Pronunciation: ' fo ̇ l- ˌ au ̇ t
Function: noun
Date: 1949
1 a : the often radioactive particles stirred up by or resulting from a nuclear explosion and descending through the atmosphere also : other polluting particles (as volcanic ash) descending likewise b : descent (as of fallout) through the atmosphere
2 : a secondary and often lingering effect, result, or set of consequences <have to take a position and accept the political fallout ― Andy Logan>