NUCLEAR
nuclear
(adjective) constituting or like a nucleus; “annexation of the suburban fringe by the nuclear metropolis”; “the nuclear core of the congregation”
nuclear, atomic
(adjective) (weapons) deriving destructive energy from the release of atomic energy; “nuclear war”; “nuclear weapons”; “atomic bombs”
nuclear
(adjective) of or relating to or constituting the nucleus of an atom; “nuclear physics”; “nuclear fission”; “nuclear forces”
nuclear
(adjective) of or relating to or constituting the nucleus of a cell; “nuclear membrane”; “nuclear division”
Source: WordNet® 3.1
Etymology
Adjective
nuclear (not comparable)
Pertaining to the nucleus of an atom. [from 20th c.]
Involving energy released by nuclear reactions (fission, fusion, radioactive decay). [from 20th c.]
Relating to a weapon that derives its force from rapid release of energy through nuclear reactions. [from 20th c.]
(by extension, metaphoric, of a solution or response) Involving an extreme course of action.
(biology) Pertaining to the nucleus of a cell. [from 19th c.]
(archaic) Pertaining to a centre around which something is developed or organised; central, pivotal. [from 19th c.]
Usage notes
• The pronunciation /nukjÉ™lÉš/, although included by some sources such as Merriam-Webster (Online 10th Edition), is nonstandard and listed as such. See also nucular, and nucular in Wikipedia.
Noun
nuclear (uncountable)
nuclear power
Anagrams
• crenula, lucarne, unclear
Source: Wiktionary
Nu"cle*al, Nu"cle*ar, a.
Definition: Of or pertaining to a nucleus; as, the nuclear spindle (see
Illust. of Karyokinesis) or the nuclear fibrils of a cell; the
nuclear part of a comet, etc.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition