# nuclear

> English word · Adjective · IPA /ˈn(j)u.kli.ɚ/ · frequency rank #1,911

## Definitions
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.
4. Having nuclear weapons.
5. Involving an extreme course of action, or one with severe consequences.
6. Pertaining to the nucleus of a cell.
7. Pertaining to a centre around which something is developed or organised; central, pivotal.
8. Relating to, being of, or comprising the nuclear family.

## Etymology
From Latin nū̆cleus, a contraction of the adjective nuculeus, masculine of feminine nuculea (“pertaining to a small nut”) from nucula + adjectival suffix -eus, -ea, -eum. The Latin nucula + -āris adds up to nuculāris, a term that in English becomes nucular; the Latin nuculea + -āris, becomes Latin nuculeāris (“relative to what pertains to small nut”), later contracted into nuclear. By surface analysis, nucleus + -ar. Compare muscle and Latin mūsculus; muscular and mūsculāris.

## Easily confused with
- **nuclei** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/nuclear-vs-nuclei)
- **nucleus** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/nuclear-vs-nucleus)
- **nucleic** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/nuclear-vs-nucleic)

## Common misspellings (9)
`nculear`, `nnuclear`, `nucclear`, `nucelar`, `nuclaer`, `nuclearr`, `nuclera`, `nucllear`, `nulcear`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/nuclear