transcription, транскрипция: [ ˈnü-klē-ər, ˈnyü-, ÷-kyə-lər ]
adjective
Date: 1846
1. : of, relating to, or constituting a nucleus
2.
a. : of or relating to the atomic nucleus
nuclear reaction
nuclear physics
b. : used in or produced by a nuclear reaction (as fission)
nuclear fuel
nuclear waste
nuclear energy
c.
(1) : being a weapon whose destructive power derives from an uncontrolled nuclear reaction
(2) : of, produced by, or involving nuclear weapons
the nuclear age
nuclear war
(3) : armed with nuclear weapons
nuclear powers
d. : of, relating to, or powered by nuclear energy
a nuclear submarine
the nuclear debate
a nuclear plant
3. : crazy , berserk — usually used in the phrase go nuclear
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.