nuclear

/ˈnukliər/

/ˈnukliə/

Nuclear describes something that has to do with the nucleus — the central part — of an atom. If you're a nuclear physicist, you do a lot of work with that part of the atom.

Nuclear power, which comes from nuclear fission — the energy released when the nucleus of an atom is split — is a controversial source of renewable energy. The word nuclear is sometimes used broadly to refer to the core of something. Your nuclear family is you, your parents, and your siblings — in a sense, the central part of your world, kind of like the nucleus of an atom.

Definitions of nuclear

1. adjective

   constituting or like a nucleus
   “annexation of the suburban fringe by the nuclear metropolis”

   “the nuclear core of the congregation”

   synonyms:

   central

   in or near a center or constituting a center; the inner area
2. adjective

   of or relating to or constituting the nucleus of a cell
   “nuclear membrane”

   “nuclear division”
3. adjective

   of or relating to or constituting the nucleus of an atom
   “nuclear physics”

   “nuclear fission”

   “nuclear forces”
4. adjective

   (weapons) deriving destructive energy from the release of atomic energy
   “nuclear war”

   “nuclear weapons”

   synonyms: atomic

   thermonuclear

   using nuclear weapons based on fusion as distinguished from fission

   antonyms:

   conventional

   (weapons) using energy for propulsion or destruction that is not nuclear energy