Nuclei
/ˈnjuː.kliː.aɪ/noun
The plural form of nucleus, referring to the central part of an atom or cell.
Did you know?The term 'nucleus' comes from the Latin for 'kernel' or 'seed', symbolizing the very essence from which all life grows.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*nukleus
“a central part or core”
Latin
Latin
nucleus
“a kernel, seed, or core of a fruit”
Late Latin
Latin
nuclei
“plural of nucleus, referring to cores or centers”
17th Century
English
nucleus
“the central part of an atom or cell, adopted into scientific vocabulary”
19th Century
English
nuclei
“the established plural form of nucleus in scientific terminology”