nuclear
/ˈn(j)u.kli.ɚ/
UK: /ˈnjuː.klɪə(ɹ)/
N(J)U · kli · ɚ (3 syllables)
English
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Definition
Pertaining to the nucleus of an atom.
Etymology
From Latin nū̆cleus, a contraction of the adjective nuculeus, masculine of feminine nuculea (“pertaining to a small nut”) from nucula + adjectival suffix -eus, -ea, -eum. The Latin nucula + -āris adds up to nuculāris, a term that in English becomes nucular; the Latin nuculea + -āris, becomes Latin nuculeāris (“relative to what pertains to small nut”), later contracted into nuclear. By surface analysis, nucleus + -ar. Compare muscle and Latin mūsculus; muscular and mūsculāris.
Example Sentences
- "a nuclear reactor"
- "nuclear technology"
- "a nuclear explosion"
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