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Nuclear: Definition, Usage & Key Distinctions (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：pertaining to atomic nucleus energy (nuclear)
nuclear
/ˈnjuːkliər/
adj.
Relating to the powerful energy produced when the central part of an atom (the nucleus) is split or combined.
pertaining to atomic nucleus energy
➕
/pərˈteɪnɪŋ tuː əˈtɒmɪk ˈnjuːkliəs ˈɛnədʒi/
adj.
This adjective describes anything connected to the energy released from atomic nuclei through processes like fission or fusion, commonly used in contexts such as nuclear power or nuclear physics.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
Derived from Latin 'nucleus', meaning 'kernel' or 'core', from 'nux, nucis' (nut). In English, it refers to the central part of an atom or any fundamental unit.
💡 Mnemonic
Think 'new-clear' – new energy from the clear nucleus of an atom, or the 'core' of a family as the central unit.
📖 Example
Many countries are investing in nuclear power plants as a source of clean energy that doesn't produce air pollution.
Many countries are investing in nuclear power plants as a source of clean energy that doesn't produce air pollution.
🔗 Collocations
nuclear energy – energy produced from nuclear reactions within atomic nuclei
nuclear reactor – a device designed to maintain and control nuclear chain reactions for power generation
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
conventional (adj.) – relating to traditional energy sources or methods, not involving nuclear reactions
🌱 Derivatives
nucleus (n.) – the central part of an atom, cell, or any core structure
nuclearize (v.) – to equip or convert something to use nuclear technology or weapons
📖 Cultural Story
The term 'nuclear' originates from the Latin 'nucleus', denoting a central core. In the 20th century, it gained prominence in scientific contexts like 'nuclear energy' from atomic physics, and in sociology for 'nuclear family', reflecting its evolution from physical cores to social units.
Meaning 2：relating to the core family unit (nuclear)
nuclear
/ˈnjuːkliər/
adj.
Relating to the most basic and central part of something, especially a family consisting of parents and their children.
relating to the core family unit
➕
/rɪˈleɪtɪŋ tuː ðə kɔːr ˈfæməli ˈjuːnɪt/
adj.
This meaning refers to the fundamental social unit consisting of parents and their children, often used in sociology and everyday language to describe a common family structure.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
In many modern cities, the nuclear family, with two parents and one or two children, is a very common living arrangement.
In many modern cities, the nuclear family, with two parents and one or two children, is a very common living arrangement.
🔗 Collocations
nuclear family – a family group consisting of two parents and their children living together as a unit
nuclear household – a domestic setup comprising a nuclear family without extended relatives
🔄 Synonyms
immediate family (n.) – the closest family members, typically including parents, siblings, and children
core family (n.) – the central family unit, emphasizing its fundamental role
🚫 Antonyms
extended family (n.) – a family that includes relatives beyond the nuclear family, such as grandparents, aunts, and uncles
🌱 Derivatives
nucleus (n.) – the central or most important part of a group or system
nuclearity (n.) – the quality of being nuclear or central in structure
Wordbook
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