nuclear
nuclear Lexical Profile
nuclear Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Relating to the nucleus of an atom, or to the energy released during fission or fusion of atomic nuclei.
"The country is investing heavily in nuclear energy to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels."
Relating to or constituting the central, core, or most essential part of a group or system, especially a family unit consisting solely of parents and their children.
"Sociologists have studied how the traditional nuclear family has evolved over the past century."
In biology, relating to or situated in the nucleus of a living cell.
"During cell division, the nuclear membrane temporarily breaks down to allow chromosomes to separate."
Informally, extreme, drastic, or explosive in temper, reaction, or consequence.
"The board of directors decided against the nuclear option of firing the entire management team."
Word Nuance & Usage
Although the nonstandard pronunciation 'nucular' is frequently heard in informal speech and political discourse, standard English dictionaries and style guides consider 'noo-klee-er' (or 'nyoo-klee-er' in British English) to be the only correct pronunciation in formal contexts.
• Rhymes for nuclear
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed in the mid-19th century from 'nucleus' plus the suffix '-ar', deriving from the Latin 'nucleus' (meaning 'kernel' or 'inner part of a nut'), itself a diminutive of 'nux' ('nut').