Nuclear
Adjective
UK
/ˈnjuː.kli.ər/
US
/ˈnuː.kli.ɚ/
Definition
Related to the core of an atom, or to energy, weapons, or power produced from atoms; or describing a family made of parents and their children only.
Example
"Nuclear energy can produce electricity."
"Many countries use nuclear power plants to generate large amounts of energy with low carbon emissions."
"The term nuclear family describes parents and their children living together in one household."
Explanation
The word nuclear is related to the center or core of something. Most commonly, it refers to nuclear energy, which comes from splitting atoms to produce power. Nuclear energy is used to generate electricity in power plants. The word is also used when talking about nuclear weapons, which are very powerful and dangerous. In family terms, a nuclear family means parents and their children living together. So, nuclear can relate to science, energy, weapons, or family, depending on how it is used.