nuclear

nu-cle-ar · adjective

imported

Definitions

adjective

  1. 1.

    Relating to the nucleus of an atom, or the energy released when atomic nuclei are split or fused.

  2. 2.

    Relating to weapons that use nuclear fission or fusion.

  3. 3.

    Relating to the nucleus of a cell.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    nuclear family — a family unit consisting of parents and their children
  • •
    go nuclear — (informal) to become extremely angry or to escalate dramatically
  • •
    nuclear option — an extreme or drastic course of action

Related words

Antonyms: conventional
See also: atom, energy, radiation, reactor
Synonyms: atomic

Etymology

From Latin nucleus ("kernel, inner part"), diminutive of nux ("nut"). First used in modern scientific sense in the early 20th century.