Nuclearization
/ˌnuː.kli.ə.rəˈzeɪ.ʃən/noun
The process of making something nuclear, especially by developing or acquiring nuclear weapons or energy technology.
Did you know?Nucleus originally meant “little nut” in Latin because the central core of a nut became a metaphor for the central core of anything—including an atom.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*knew-
“A reconstructed root associated with nuts or hard kernels.”
Classical Latin
Latin
nux
“Nut; a hard-shelled fruit.”
Classical Latin
Latin
nucleus
“A little nut; later, the central kernel or core of something.”
17th Century
English
nucleus
“The central part or core of an object, adopted from Latin.”
19th Century
English
nuclear
“Relating to a nucleus or central core; later, relating specifically to atomic nuclei.”
20th Century
English
nuclearization
“The process of becoming nuclear, especially through the development or deployment of nuclear technology.”