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HOW TO PRONOUNCE

nuclear

/ˈn(j)u.kli.ɚ/

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American Pronunciation Guide · 0:57
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What does nuclear mean?

adjective

  1. Pertaining to the nucleus of an atom.
  2. Involving energy released by nuclear reactions (fission, fusion, radioactive decay).
  3. Relating to a weapon that derives its force from rapid release of energy through nuclear reactions.
More meanings (7)

adjective

  1. Having nuclear weapons.
  2. (figuratively) Involving an extreme course of action, or one with severe consequences.
  3. Pertaining to the nucleus of a cell.
  4. Relating to, being of, or comprising the nuclear family.
  5. (archaic) Pertaining to a centre around which something is developed or organised; central, pivotal.

noun

  1. Nuclear power.
  2. Nuclear weapon

Definitions regrouped for readability · CC BY-SA 4.0

IPA pronunciation

/ˈn(j)u.kli.ɚ/

Wiktionary contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0

Pronunciation varies by speaker and region. About these dictionary pronunciations.

In the pages of books

See this word in context.

Where direct nuclear division occurs by constriction in the higher organisms, it does not result in the halving of hereditary units.
A. C. (Albert Charles) SewardDarwin and Modern ScienceProject Gutenberg ebook #1909
National security exceptions include procurements made in support of safeguarding nuclear materials or technology.
CanadaNorth American Free Trade Agreement, 1992 Oct. 7 Tariff Phasing DescriptionsProject Gutenberg ebook #89
More book examples (2)
The MAUD report, and to a lesser degree the discovery of plutonium, encouraged American leaders to think more seriously about developing a nuclear weapon.
Carl R. Maag; Steve RohrerProject Trinity, 1945-1946Project Gutenberg ebook #548
I have approved a research program to find, if we can, a security shield that would destroy nuclear missiles before they reach their target.
United States. PresidentsUnited States Presidents' Inaugural Speeches: From Washington to George W. BushProject Gutenberg ebook #925