Environment / A2

NYOOKL-ee-uh/ˈnjuːkliə/

Nuclear describes energy from atoms, or weapons that use that energy: a nuclear power station, nuclear energy, nuclear weapons. Electric is everyday power from sockets; nuclear is one way to make electricity. Atomic is a close scientific cousin. Do not write nuclear when you mean unclear, or new clear as two words.

Meaning

Connected with energy from splitting atoms, or with nuclear weapons.

Examples

• “The country closed its last nuclear power station.”
• “There was a protest outside the nuclear plant.”
• “The lesson explained how nuclear energy heats water.”

Good to know

a nuclear power station / nuclear weapons. Everyday contrast: electric. Mix-up: unclear.

Topics

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