Nucleus: meaning, definitions and examples
⚛️
nucleus
[ ˈnjuːklɪəs ]
biology
The central and most important part of an object, movement, or group, forming the basis for its activity and growth.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The nucleus of a cell contains genetic material.
- She is at the nucleus of the team, leading by example.
physics
The positively charged central core of an atom, consisting of protons and neutrons and containing nearly all its mass.
Synonyms
atomic nucleus, nuclear core
Examples of usage
- The nucleus of an atom is very tiny but extremely dense.
- The energy released from splitting an atom's nucleus is used in nuclear power plants.
astronomy
The central part of a comet, made up of solid particles that vaporize on approaching the sun to form a coma and tail.
Synonyms
comet core, cometary nucleus
Examples of usage
- The nucleus of a comet is typically composed of ice, dust, and rocky material.
- As a comet gets closer to the sun, its nucleus starts to vaporize and create a glowing coma.
Translations
Translations of the word "nucleus" in other languages:
🇵🇹 núcleo
🇮🇳 नाभिक
🇩🇪 Kern
🇮🇩 inti
🇺🇦 ядро
🇵🇱 jądro
🇯🇵 核 (かく, kaku)
- 核心 (かくしん, kakushin)
- 中心 (ちゅうしん, chūshin)
🇫🇷 noyau
🇪🇸 núcleo
🇹🇷 çekirdek
🇰🇷 핵 (haek)
🇸🇦 نواة (nuwat)
🇨🇿 jádro
🇸🇰 jadro
🇨🇳 核 (hé)
🇸🇮 jedro
🇮🇸 kjarni
🇰🇿 ядро
🇬🇪 ბირთვი (birtvi)
🇦🇿 nüvə
🇲🇽 núcleo
Word origin
The word 'nucleus' originated from the Latin word 'nuculeus', which means 'little nut'. In the 18th century, it was first used in the context of biology to refer to the central part of a cell. The term was later adopted in physics and astronomy to describe the central core of an atom or comet. The concept of a nucleus as a central and essential part has been fundamental in various scientific fields.