nuclear Meaning & Definition
What Does Nuclear Mean?
As an adjective, nuclear means Pertaining to the nucleus of an atom. It is also used to mean Involving energy released by nuclear reactions (fission, fusion, radioactive decay). As a noun, it means Nuclear power.
Word Facts for Nuclear
| Part of speech | adjective, noun |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | //ˈn(j)u.kli.ɚ// |
| Syllables | 1 |
| Synonyms | atomic, thermonuclear and central |
| Antonyms | conventional |
| Plural | nuclears |
Nuclear Definition (Adjective)
- Pertaining to the nucleus of an atom.
- Involving energy released by nuclear reactions (fission, fusion, radioactive decay).
a nuclear reactor
- Relating to a weapon that derives its force from rapid release of energy through nuclear reactions.
a nuclear explosion
- Having nuclear weapons.
- Involving an extreme course of action, or one with severe consequences.
nuclear option, nuclear solution
- Pertaining to the nucleus of a cell.
- Pertaining to a centre around which something is developed or organised; central, pivotal.
Nuclear Polynesian languages include Hawaiian and Samoan.
- Relating to, being of, or comprising the nuclear family.
Nuclear as a Noun
- Nuclear power.
- Nuclear weapon
Adjective
- (by extension, metaphoric, of a solution or response) Involving an extreme course of action.
nuclear option, nuclear solution
Synonyms of Nuclear
Nuclear synonyms and antonyms →Antonyms of Nuclear
Nuclear in a Sentence
a nuclear reactor
nuclear technology
a nuclear explosion
a nuclear power
nuclear option, nuclear solution
Nuclear Polynesian languages include Hawaiian and Samoan.
Word Forms & Grammar
nuclear (not comparable)
nuclear (countable and uncountable, plural nuclears)
Words That Rhyme With Nuclear
Origin of Nuclear
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.
Pronouncing Nuclear
The standard pronunciation of nuclear is //ˈn(j)u.kli.ɚ//, spoken in 1 syllable.
Quick Answers About Nuclear
Is nuclear an adjective or a noun?
Nuclear is mainly used as an adjective, but it can also be used as a noun.
What is another word for nuclear?
Words with a similar meaning to nuclear include atomic, thermonuclear and central. See the full list of nuclear synonyms and antonyms.
What is the opposite of nuclear?
The opposite of nuclear is conventional.
What is the plural of nuclear?
The plural of nuclear is nuclears.