ˈn(y)üklēə(r), ÷ -kyələ(r) adjective
Etymology: International Scientific Vocabulary nucle- + -ar; originally formed as French nucléaire
1. : of or relating to a nucleus : constituting or like a nucleus
annexation of the suburban fringe by the nuclear metropolis — W.H.Wickwar
the oldest or nuclear parts of the continents — O.D.von Engeln
nuclear budding
2.
a. of an atom or group of atoms : attached directly to a nucleus or ring in a molecule
b. : central I 1 — used of an atom or ion in a coordination complex
3.
a. : of or relating to the atomic nucleus
nuclear particle
nuclear forces
nuclear physics
nuclear scientist
nuclear structure
b. : of or relating to atomic energy
nuclear inventions
nuclear studies
as
(1) : being, involving, or relating to a weapon or missile that utilizes atomic energy (as in the atom bomb)
nuclear attack
nuclear device
nuclear war
(2) : being, propelled by, produced by, or relating to atomic power (as that produced by a reactor)
nuclear airplane
nuclear engineering
nuclear propulsion
nuclear ship
nuclear submarine