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



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Word of the Day

29 May 2025

CRITICAL

(adjective) characterized by careful evaluation and judgment; “a critical reading”; “a critical dissertation”; “a critical analysis of Melville’s writings”


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