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Nucleate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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nucleate

[ˈnjuːklɪeɪt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

scientific process

To nucleate means to initiate the formation of a nucleus in a physical process, typically referring to the beginning of a phase transition in materials. This can involve the clustering of particles into a new phase, such as the formation of ice crystals in freezing water.

Synonyms

create, form, initiate.

Examples of usage

  • Water will nucleate ice at 0 degrees Celsius.
  • The nucleate process generates the initial particles needed for snow formation.
  • Nucleating agents can be added to plastics to improve their crystallization.
  • The process can nucleate at the surfaces of containers.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Science

  • Nucleation is a critical process in phase transitions, such as when a gas turns into a liquid or when ice forms from water.
  • In biology, nucleation refers to the initial stages of cell formation, particularly how cells build structures such as membranes and organelles.

Pop Culture

  • In movies and literature, concepts of nucleation can be metaphorically portrayed by scenes showing groups forming around a leader, symbolizing how ideas gather around a central figure.
  • The 'nuclear family' concept can also symbolically relate to nucleation, representing a central unit from which relationships expand and grow.

Technology

  • Nanotechnology leverages nucleation principles to create materials at the atomic scale, allowing for innovations in electronics and medicine.
  • In the field of 3D printing, nucleation techniques are essential for determining how materials bond and form layers.

Psychology

  • Nucleation can be applied in psychology when discussing how thoughts and memories can cluster around significant experiences, leading to the formation of complex emotional responses.
  • The concept can also relate to how social groups form, emphasizing that a few key individuals can 'nucleate' a community.

Origin of 'nucleate'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the Latin word 'nucleus', meaning 'little nut' or 'kernel', reflecting the concept of a central core around which things form.
  • First used in scientific contexts in the 19th century to describe the formation of crystals and structures in chemistry.

The term 'nucleate' originates from the Latin word 'nucleus', meaning 'kernel' or 'core'. The transition of the word into the scientific lexicon occurred during the 19th century, as advancements in chemistry and physics necessitated more precise terminology to describe processes involving atomic and molecular structures. Nucleation specifically became a pivotal concept in the study of phase transitions, detailing how certain conditions lead to the spontaneous formation of a new phase, such as gas to liquid or liquid to solid states. The versatile application of nucleation spans various scientific fields, including meteorology, materials science, and biology, expounding on phenomena like crystal growth in ice formation or the condensation of vapor in clouds.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,480, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.