Dictionary
nuclear
adjective nu·cle·ar \ˈnü-klē-ər, ˈnyü-, ÷-kyə-lər\
: of, relating to, producing, or using energy that is created when the nuclei of atoms are split apart or joined together
: having or involving nuclear weapons
: of or relating to the nucleus of an atom
Full Definition of NUCLEAR
1
: of, relating to, or constituting a nucleus
2
a : of or relating to the atomic nucleus <nuclear reaction> <nuclear physics> b : used in or produced by a nuclear reaction (as fission) <nuclear fuel> <nuclear waste> <nuclear energy> c (1) : being a weapon whose destructive power derives from an uncontrolled nuclear reaction (2) : of, produced by, or involving nuclear weapons <the nuclear age> <nuclear war> (3) : armed with nuclear weapons <nuclear powers> d : of, relating to, or powered by nuclear energy <a nuclear submarine> <the nuclear debate> <a nuclear plant>
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Usage Discussion of NUCLEAR
Though disapproved of by many, pronunciations ending in \-kyə-lər\ have been found in widespread use among educated speakers including scientists, lawyers, professors, congressmen, United States cabinet members, and at least two United States presidents and one vice president. While most common in the United States, these pronunciations have also been heard from British and Canadian speakers.
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First Known Use of NUCLEAR
1846
NUCLEAR Defined for Kids
nuclear
adjective nu·cle·ar \ˈnü-klē-ər, ˈnyü-\
Definition of NUCLEAR for Kids
1
: of, relating to, or being a nucleus (as of a cell)
2
: of or relating to the nucleus of the atom <Fission is a nuclear reaction.>
3
: produced by a nuclear reaction <nuclear energy>
4
: of, relating to, or being a weapon whose destructive power comes from an uncontrolled nuclear reaction
5
: relating to or powered by nuclear energy <a nuclear submarine>
Medical Dictionary
nuclear
adjective nu·cle·ar \ˈn(y)ü-klē-ər\
Medical Definition of NUCLEAR
1
: of, relating to, or constituting a nucleus
2
: of, relating to, or utilizing the atomic nucleus, atomic energy, the atomic bomb, or atomic power
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