Nucleus
/ˈnjuː.kli.əs/noun
The central and most important part of an object, movement, or group, forming the basis for its activity and growth.
Did you know?In alchemical traditions, the nucleus symbolized the essence of transformation, often viewed as the ‘seed’ from which all creation emanates.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*nukleus
“a small, inner part or kernel”
Latin
Latin
nucleus
“a little nut, kernel, or core”
Late Latin
Late Latin
nucleolus
“a small nucleus, often used in biological contexts”
16th Century
English
nucleus
“used in scientific texts to describe the central part of something, especially in cells”
19th Century
English
nucleus
“established as a term in biology to denote the central part of a cell containing genetic material”
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