nuclear

noun

Nuclear power.

Nuclear weapon

adjective

Involving energy released by nuclear reactions (fission, fusion, radioactive decay).

Relating to a weapon that derives its force from rapid release of energy through nuclear reactions.

Having nuclear weapons.

Pertaining to the nucleus of an atom.

(biology) Pertaining to the nucleus of a cell.

Relating to, being of, or comprising the nuclear family.

(by extension, figurative, of a solution or response) Involving an extreme course of action, or one with severe consequences.

(archaic) Pertaining to a centre around which something is developed or organised; central, pivotal.

Roots

nuxnucle- · Latin · nut

Synonyms for nuclear

thermonuclearadj extranuclear

Synonyms & related words for nuclear

Find synonyms, related words, and the definition of nuclear — including thermonuclear, extranuclear. Dendril is a free visual thesaurus that shows them on an interactive map where stronger matches sit closer to the center — no signup, no ads.

Words related to nuclear

Explore words related to nuclear — words associated with it, words that go with it, and its nearest matches in meaning. Related words include atomic, intranuclear, nonnuclear, pronuclear, nukes, internuclear, reactors, fission. Click any word to make it the center of the map and keep exploring the web of connections.

Synonyms for nuclear

Common synonyms for nuclear include thermonuclear, extranuclear — words that share a close meaning. Hover or tap any word on the map for its definition and part of speech.

Where does nuclear come from?

The word nuclear breaks down into one root of Latin origin: the root nucle-, from Latin nux (“nut”). Explore each root to see other English words built from the same source.