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nucleus

Meaning in simple English, pronunciation and examples

Pronunciation: US /ˈnuːkliəs/ · UK /ˈnjuːkliəs/

Forms: nuclei

nucleus means: The central part of something, especially an atom or a living cell.

noun

CENTRAL PARTB2

The central part of something, especially an atom or a living cell.

  • The nucleus lies at the center of the atom.
  • Electrons move around the nucleus.
  • Scientists studied the nuclei of several different atoms.

How to use it: nucleus of something (The nucleus of an atom contains protons.)

Similar words: core

Common phrases: atomic nucleus, central nucleus, nucleus of something

CELL CONTROL CENTERB2

The part inside a cell, surrounded by a thin covering, that holds its genetic information.

  • The nucleus holds the cell’s genetic information.
  • She could see the nucleus through the microscope.
  • These cells have two nuclei.

How to use it: nucleus of a cell (The nucleus of a cell contains DNA.)

Similar words: cell nucleus

Common phrases: cell nucleus, nucleus membrane, nucleus of something

STARTING COREC1

A small starting group or collection that will grow as more people or things are added.

  • Five volunteers formed the nucleus of the team.
  • Her books became the nucleus of a new library.
  • We built the club around a small nucleus of friends.

How to use it: nucleus of something (These books formed the nucleus of our collection.)

Similar words: core, foundation

Common phrases: form the nucleus, nucleus of something, a small nucleus

Questions about nucleus

What does nucleus mean?

The central part of something, especially an atom or a living cell.

What is nucleus in other languages?

Türkçe: çekirdek · Español: núcleo · Français: noyau · Deutsch: Kern · Italiano: nucleo · 日本語: 核

What does nuclei mean?

“nuclei” is the plural of “nucleus”.

How do you pronounce nucleus?

In American English /ˈnuːkliəs/; in British English /ˈnjuːkliəs/.

How do you use nucleus in a sentence?

The nucleus lies at the center of the atom. Electrons move around the nucleus.

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nucleus in other languages

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