WordGarden.ionuclear
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /njˈuːkliə/
US
- /ˈnukliər/
Meanings
Adjective
relating to atomic nuclei, radioactivity, or energy released by nuclear reactions
involving nuclear weapons, deterrence, or the threat of nuclear war
relating to a family made up of parents and their children only
Beyond the definition
The word "nuclear" comes from nucleus—the small center of an atom. Most of the time, it describes things connected to that center and the energy that can come from it. You might hear about nuclear energy making electricity in a power plant or about the terrible force of nuclear weapons.
It is not only used in science and war. You may also hear "nuclear family," which means a family group made up of parents and their children. So, when you hear "nuclear," it usually points either to atoms, energy, and weapons, or to this common family phrase.
The term "nuclear" fundamentally relates to the nucleus of an atom—the incredibly dense core containing protons and neutrons. This tiny space holds immense energy, which is why "nuclear" often evokes images of power, both constructive and destructive.
In scientific contexts, "nuclear" describes processes involving the nucleus itself. Nuclear physics studies these processes, while nuclear chemistry explores how they affect chemical elements. Nuclear energy, generated through controlled reactions in places such as reactors, provides electricity but also raises concerns about safety and waste disposal. The most infamous association is with nuclear weapons, which unleash devastating power through rapid atomic reactions—a grim reminder of the potential for destruction.
However, "nuclear" is not always about science or warfare. A "nuclear family" refers to a household made up of parents and their children, as distinct from a larger extended family. You might also hear someone say a person or organization is "going nuclear," meaning they are taking a drastic and extreme step.
So, while rooted in the world of atoms and energy, "nuclear" has also taken on a few everyday meanings. In most cases, though, it still points back to the atom's center and the huge power linked to it.
Examples
- 1
Energy source
The country gets about a third of its electricity from nuclear power.
- 2
Power plant
Protesters gathered outside the nuclear plant after the safety report was released.
- 3
Weapons treaty
The treaty limits the number of nuclear weapons each side can keep.
- 4
Waste storage
The government is still looking for a safe place to store nuclear waste.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Diplomacy
After months of talks, the two countries reached a new nuclear deal.
- 6
Family type
She grew up in a nuclear family, but her cousins lived with their grandparents.
- Phrasea nuclear family
parents and their children, not including other relatives
- 7
Extreme action
Closing the entire department would be the nuclear option.
- Phrasethe nuclear option
the most extreme action available
- 8
Angry reaction
When the story appeared online, his lawyer went nuclear.
- Phrasego nuclear
react in an extremely angry or forceful way
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Do not confuse
- radioactive
- nucular
Used with (collocations)
- nuclear power
- nuclear weapon
- nuclear reactor
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- nuclearadjective