nucleus
6 synonyms for nucleus, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The central, positively charged part of an atom, made of protons and neutrons.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
karyon
How to use nucleus
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
atomic nucleus
cell nucleus
nucleus of a team
Etymology
A learned borrowing from Latin nucleus, "kernel" or "core."
Full origin of nucleus →Frequently asked questions
What does “nucleus” mean?
The word “nucleus” means the central, positively charged part of an atom, made of protons and neutrons. In plain terms, the central core of something — whether an atom, a cell, or a group.
How do you pronounce “nucleus”?
“Nucleus” is pronounced NYOO-klee-uhs (/ˈnuː.kli.əs/ in IPA).
How do you use “nucleus” in a sentence?
Here is “nucleus” used in a sentence: “Electrons orbit the nucleus of an atom.”
What part of speech is “nucleus”?
“Nucleus” is a noun.
Where does the word “nucleus” come from?
The word “nucleus” comes from Latin. A learned borrowing from Latin nucleus, "kernel" or "core.".
Is “nucleus” a common word?
“Nucleus” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “nucleus” have?
“Nucleus” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the central, positively charged part of an atom, made of protons and neutrons.
What is the difference between the nucleus of an atom and the nucleus of a cell?
The nucleus of an atom is the central, positively charged core made of protons and neutrons, and it is the seat of an atom's mass and charge. The nucleus of a cell is a completely different structure: a membrane-bound compartment that holds the cell's genetic material. The two share only the name, referring to a central core in very different scientific contexts.
Can nucleus be used outside of science?
Yes, nucleus is often used figuratively to describe the core part of something around which everything else is built, such as 'the nucleus of a new team' or 'the nucleus of an idea.' In this sense it means the central, foundational element rather than anything biological or physical.
What is the plural of nucleus?
The traditional plural is nuclei, following the word's Latin origin, though nucleuses is also used informally in English. Nuclei remains the standard form in scientific and academic writing.
