adjective
nuclear
Relating to an atomic nucleus or energy released from it.
The city gets much of its electricity from nuclear power.
Etymology
Nucleus originally means kernel. Nuclear applies that central-kernel image to the atom and to processes or energy involving its dense central part.
More examples
- Scientists study nuclear forces inside atoms.
- The treaty limits the testing of nuclear weapons.
- The hospital uses nuclear medicine to diagnose certain diseases.
Forms
nuclear
nucleus noun — The central core of an atom.
Similar words
- atomic
- Can describe whole atoms, rather than specifically their nuclei.
- radioactive
- Specifically describes substances emitting radiation through the decay of unstable nuclei.