noun
nucleus
The dense central part of an atom.
The nucleus holds nearly all of an atom's mass.
Etymology
The Latin source means kernel. Physics applies the central-core image to the small, dense part of an atom that contains most of its mass.
In context
And that, so this idea that an atom is a nucleus, a dense positive charge.
More examples
- Electrons occupy the space around the nucleus.
- A hydrogen atom usually has just one proton in its nucleus.
- During nuclear fusion, two light nuclei combine into a heavier nucleus.
Forms
nucleus · nuclei · nucleuses
nuclear adjective — Relating to the nucleus of an atom.
Similar words
- core
- A general central part, not specifically the center of an atom.