nuclear
Definitions
Relating to the nucleus of an atom, or to the energy released by splitting or fusing atomic nuclei.
原子核的；核能的。
Relating to nuclear weapons.
核武器的。
Relating to the central, essential part of something (as in 'nuclear family').
核心的（如 nuclear family 核心家庭）。
Root Breakdown
Root-derivednucle (core, kernel, from Latin nucleus 'little nut') + -ar (relating to) = 'relating to the core.' First it meant relating to a cell or atomic nucleus; after physicists learned to split the atomic nucleus, it became the word for everything connected to atomic energy and weapons.
Root nucle still carries 5 more wordsUsage Guide
- Watch the pronunciation: standard is NEW-clee-ar (/ˈnjuːkliə(r)/), not 'NEW-cue-lar.' The mispronunciation 'nucular' is widely heard but considered nonstandard.
- 'nuclear family' has nothing to do with atoms — it means the small core unit of parents and children, contrasted with the extended family.
Example Sentences
- 1.
The country agreed to dismantle part of its nuclear arsenal.
- 2.
Nuclear power supplies about a fifth of the nation's electricity.
- 3.
The reaction releases huge amounts of nuclear energy.
- 4.
She grew up in a traditional nuclear family of four.