nuclear

Academic Word List, sublist 8.

About 41.12 uses per million words.

Meaning

1. adjective Pertaining to the nucleus of an atom. .mw-parser-output .defdate{font-size:smaller}
2. adjective Involving energy released by nuclear reactions (fission, fusion, radioactive decay).

   a nuclear reactor

3. adjective Relating to a weapon that derives its force from rapid release of energy through nuclear reactions.

   a nuclear explosion

4. adjective Having nuclear weapons.
5. adjective Involving an extreme course of action, or one with severe consequences.

   nuclear option, nuclear solution

6. adjective Pertaining to the nucleus of a cell.
7. adjective Pertaining to a centre around which something is developed or organised; central, pivotal.

   Nuclear Polynesian languages include Hawaiian and Samoan.

8. adjective Relating to, being of, or comprising the nuclear family.

Similar words

atomic thermonuclear central nuclide atom radioactive fissile reactor nuke chem

Often followed by

weapons power war energy family and magnetic physics reactor arms