NUCLEAR

adjective Date: 1846 of, relating to, or constituting a nucleus, 2. of or relating to the atomic nucleus , used in or produced by a ~ reaction (as fission) , c. being a weapon whose destructive power derives from an uncontrolled ~ reaction, of, produced by, or involving ~ weapons , armed with ~ weapons , of, relating to, or powered by ~ energy , crazy , berserk , Usage: Though disapproved of by many, pronunciations ending in \\-kyə-lər\\ have been found in widespread use among educated speakers including scientists, lawyers, professors, congressmen, United States cabinet members, and at least two United States presidents and one vice president. While most common in the U.S., these pronunciations have also been heard from British and Canadian speakers.