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Nucleuses: meaning, definitions and examples

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nucleuses

 

[ ˈnjuːklɪəsɪz ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

cell biology

The nucleus is a membrane-bound organelle found in eukaryotic cells that contains the cell's genetic material. It controls the cell's growth, metabolism, and reproduction, acting as the command center. In multicellular organisms, each nucleus coordinates the functions of the numerous cells in the organism.

Synonyms

cell nucleus, nucleolus

Examples of usage

  • The nucleus is essential for cell division.
  • Genetic material is stored in the nucleus.
  • Damage to the nucleus can affect cell function.
Context #2 | Noun

astronomy

In astronomy, a nucleus refers to the central part of a comet, consisting of ice, dust, and rocky material. It is often surrounded by a coma and tail when the comet approaches the Sun. The nucleus is responsible for the comet's activity and its formation of a tail.

Synonyms

center, core

Examples of usage

  • The nucleus of the comet is composed mainly of ice.
  • As the comet approaches the sun, the nucleus sublimates.
  • Scientists study the nucleus to understand comet behavior.

Etymology

The word 'nucleus' comes from the Latin word 'nucleus', meaning 'kernel' or 'seed'. This term was used in the late 16th century to describe a central part of something. In the context of biology, the term began to be commonly used in the mid-19th century when scientists began to understand the structure of cells and the role of the nucleus in genetics. It is also derived from the Latin 'nux', meaning 'nut', which is indicative of something that contains important material. Over time, the understanding and significance of the nucleus have expanded across various scientific fields, including biology and astronomy.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #42,840, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.