Nuclear Power
/ˈnjuːkliər ˈpaʊər/noun
Energy released from atomic nuclei, especially through fission or fusion, and the capacity generated from it.
Did you know?The word nuclear ultimately traces to Latin nucleus, meaning “kernel” or “little nut,” a metaphor for the dense core hidden inside an atom.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*knew-
“A reconstructed root associated with nuts or kernels, the hard inner core of a fruit.”
Classical Latin
Latin
nux
“Nut; the fruit and its hard inner substance.”
Classical Latin
Latin
nucleus
“Kernel, little nut, or central core.”
17th Century
English
nucleus
“The central part or core of something.”
19th Century
English
nuclear
“Relating to a nucleus or central core.”
13th Century
Old French
poeir / pooir
“To be able, to have power or capability.”
Modern English
English
nuclear power
“Energy produced by reactions in atomic nuclei, especially nuclear fission.”