Words / B2

NYOOKL-ee-uh-s/ˈnjuːkliəs/

The nucleus is the central part of an atom or a cell, or the core of a group: the nucleus of the cell; a nucleus of volunteers. Core is the essay twin; nuclear is the adjective for energy or weapons (already in the dictionary). Label the nucleus on the diagram. Mix-up: nuclear / uncle. Plural: nuclei. Do not call the whole cell a nucleus.

Meaning

The central part of an atom or a cell; also the core of a group (plural: nuclei).

Examples

• “Label the nucleus on the diagram, not the cytoplasm, the biology paper said.”
• “A nucleus of regulars kept the club going, which is the core-group sense.”

Good to know

the nucleus of; cell / atomic nucleus; nuclei (plural). Adjective (weapons/energy): nuclear. Trap: uncle. Biology, physics, and organisations. The centre, not the whole.

Near in meaning

core

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