nucleus

noun
UK: /ˈnjuːkliəs/
US: /ˈnuːkliəs/

  1. The central part of an atom.

    1. The nucleus is very small.
    2. Scientists study the nucleus to understand atomic structure and behavior.

  2. The central part of a cell, containing genetic material.

    1. The cell has a nucleus.
    2. The nucleus controls cell growth and reproduction within the body.

  3. The most important or central part of something.

    1. This idea is the nucleus.
    2. The city's historic district forms the nucleus of its tourism industry.

Synonyms

core center heart kernel
nucleus transitive-verb

  1. To form the nucleus of something.

    1. It may nucleus a plan.
    2. This small group nucleused a larger movement for social change.
nucleus intransitive-verb

  1. To come together to form a nucleus.

    1. The water begins to nucleus.
    2. Ice crystals nucleused around tiny particles in the atmosphere.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "nucleus" in English means: The central part of an atom., The central part of a cell, containing genetic material., The most important or central part of something..

The phonetic transcription of "nucleus" is /ˈnjuːkliəs/ in British English and /ˈnuːkliəs/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "nucleus": core, center, heart, kernel.

Example usage of "nucleus": "The nucleus is very small.". More examples on the page.