Definition of NUCLEAR

nuclear

Meanings

Plural: nuclears

Adjective

  • (weapons) deriving destructive energy from the release of atomic energy
    • "nuclear war"
    • "nuclear weapons"
  • of or relating to or constituting the nucleus of an atom
    • "nuclear physics"
    • "nuclear fission"
    • "nuclear forces"
  • of or relating to or constituting the nucleus of a cell
    • "nuclear membrane"
    • "nuclear division"

Adjective Satellite

  • constituting or like a nucleus
    • "annexation of the suburban fringe by the nuclear metropolis"
    • "the nuclear core of the congregation"

Adj

  • Pertaining to the nucleus of an atom.
  • Involving energy released by nuclear reactions (fission, fusion, radioactive decay).
  • Relating to a weapon that derives its force from rapid release of energy through nuclear reactions.
  • Having nuclear weapons.
  • Involving an extreme course of action, or one with severe consequences.
  • Pertaining to the nucleus of a cell.
  • Pertaining to a centre around which something is developed or organised; central, pivotal.
  • Relating to, being of, or comprising the nuclear family.

Noun

  • Nuclear power.
  • Nuclear weapon

Origin / 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.

Synonyms

atomic

Antonyms

conventional

Scrabble Score: 9

nuclear is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
nuclear is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
nuclear is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 13

nuclear is a valid Words With Friends word