nuclear

The definition of nuclear is relating to the nucleus of a cell, or relating to atomic or hydrogen bombs.

(adjective)

  1. An example of nuclear used as an adjective is the phrase "nuclear energy" which means energy that comes from the nucleus of a cell.
  2. An example of nuclear used as an adjective is the phrase "nuclear bomb" which means an atomic bomb.

YourDictionary definition and usage example. Copyright © 2013 by LoveToKnow Corp.

See nuclear in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

  1. of, like or forming a nucleus
  2. of or relating to atomic nuclei: nuclear energy
  3. of, characterized by, or operated by the use of nuclear energy: nuclear weapons
  4. of, having, or involving nuclear weapons: nuclear warfare

See nuclear in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective
  1. Biology Of, relating to, or forming a nucleus: a nuclear membrane.
  2. Physics Of or relating to atomic nuclei: a nuclear chain reaction.
  3. Using or derived from the energy of atomic nuclei: nuclear power.
  4. Of, using, or possessing atomic or hydrogen bombs: nuclear war; nuclear nations.

Origin:

Origin: From nucleus

.

Usage Note: The pronunciation (no͞oˈkyə-lər), which is generally considered incorrect, is an example of how a familiar phonological pattern can influence an unfamiliar one. The usual pronunciation of the final two syllables of this word is (-klē-ər), but this sequence of sounds is rare in English. Much more common is the similar sequence (-kyə-lər), which occurs in words like particular, circular, spectacular, and in many scientific words like molecular, ocular, and vascular.

Learn more about nuclear

link/cite print suggestion box