nuclear

1. 1
   using atom energyadjective

   Using the energy that comes from splitting or joining atoms, for example in bombs or power stations.

   The navy submarine carries powerful nuclear missiles.

   Many people fear a nuclear war could destroy whole cities.

   UsageA nuclear power is a country with nuclear bombs. Nuclear power, with no a, is a kind of energy.

2. 2
   of an atom's coreadjective

   Relating to the tiny center part of an atom.

   Like a peach pit at the center of the fruit: every atom has a tiny center too.

   Scientists study the nuclear forces inside atoms.

   An atom's nuclear charge comes from its protons.

   Note
3. 3
   noununcountable

   Power made from the energy inside atoms, used to create electricity.

   Our city gets a lot of its electricity from nuclear.

   Nuclear does not put smoke into the air like coal does.

   UsageUsually no a or the: a city gets its power from nuclear.

4. 4
   familyadjective

   Relating to a family made up of only parents and their children.

   Her nuclear family is just her parents, her brother, and her.

   They moved away from their relatives and lived as a small nuclear family.

   UsageMost often in nuclear family, said of parents and their children.

   Oppositeextended

5. 5
   adjective

   Having weapons that explode using the power inside atoms.

   Only a few countries in the world are nuclear.

   The two nuclear neighbors finally agreed to talk about peace.

   UsageA country that gets these weapons goes nuclear.

6. 6
   cell centeradjective

   Found in, or relating to, the nucleus, the part of a cell that holds most of its DNA.

   The nuclear membrane keeps the cell's DNA safe inside.

   Under a microscope, the dye made the nuclear material easy to see.

   Note
7. 7
   extremeadjectivefiguratively

   Extreme in a way that causes very serious results.

   When the kids would not listen, Dad went nuclear and canceled the trip.

   Calling the police over loud music seemed like the nuclear option.

   UsageMost often in go nuclear and the nuclear option.

   Similarextreme, drastic

   Oppositemeasured, moderate

   Note

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