Nuclear
/ˈnjuː.kli.ər/noun
Relating to the nucleus of an atom or the energy produced by nuclear reactions.
Did you know?The term 'nuclear' comes from the Latin 'nucleus,' meaning 'kernel' or 'core,' hinting at the powerful energy contained within an atom's center.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
nucleus
“kernel, core, or seed of a fruit.”
Medieval Latin
Medieval Latin
nuclearis
“pertaining to the nucleus.”
19th Century
English
nuclear
“related to the nucleus, especially in biological contexts.”
20th Century
English
nuclear
“pertaining to nuclear energy or reactions, often with connotations of power and destruction.”