nuclear
gb/nˈukliɚ/ us/nˈukliɚ/
B1
English
~ 1300
Senses
0 senses
adjective
B1
property
1
Relating to atomic nuclei or energy from them
About the center of an atom and the energy from it.
Usage pattern:
[something] is nuclear
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'nuclear' with 'new clear' because of similar pronunciation, but the words are unrelated.
Synonyms
atomic (Often used interchangeably, but 'atomic' can refer more broadly to atoms, not just the nucleus.)
Antonyms
non-nuclear (Describes things not involving atomic nuclei or nuclear energy.)
Collocations
nuclear power
|nuclear weapon
|nuclear reactor
|nuclear energy
|nuclear physics
Themes
science
|technology
|energy
Examples
- Nuclear power plants produce electricity without burning fossil fuels.
- The treaty aims to reduce the number of nuclear weapons worldwide.
- She is studying nuclear physics at university.
- Nuclear reactors must be carefully monitored for safety.
- The country is investing in nuclear energy research.
Learner examples
- A nuclear bomb is very powerful.
- My country uses nuclear power to make electricity.
- He works at a nuclear plant.
- Nuclear energy can be dangerous.
- They talk about nuclear safety on the news.
adjective
C1
property
2
Central or most important part
About the most important or central part.
Usage pattern:
[something] is nuclear to [something else]
Common mistake:
Learners may not realize this figurative use is less common and often replaced by 'central' or 'core'.
Synonyms
central (Similar meaning but less intense or metaphorical than 'nuclear' in this figurative use.)
Antonyms
peripheral (Refers to something on the edge or less important, opposite of central.)
Collocations
nuclear issue
|nuclear role
|nuclear point
Themes
general
|importance
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Trust is nuclear to a healthy relationship.
- The nuclear point of the debate was fairness.
- Education remains nuclear to national development.
Learner examples
- Water is nuclear to life.
- The main idea is nuclear to the story.
- Food is nuclear to our health.
adjective
B2
property
3
Relating to a basic family unit
About a family with only parents and their children.
Usage pattern:
nuclear family
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'nuclear family' with 'big family', but it actually means parents and their children only.
Synonyms
immediate-family (Refers specifically to close family members, though not identical in meaning.)
Antonyms
extended family (Includes relatives beyond parents and children, such as grandparents, uncles, aunts.)
Collocations
nuclear family
Themes
family
|society
|relationships
|daily_life
Examples
- They live in a small house as a nuclear family.
- The nuclear family model has changed over time.
- Policies often focus on supporting the nuclear family.
Learner examples
- My nuclear family has four people.
- A nuclear family can be small.
- Many people live in a nuclear family today.
Grammar
Dictionary form
nuclear
IPA
GB/nˈukliɚ/
US/nˈukliɚ/
Syllables & stress
nuc - le - ar (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (nuc)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: nuclear
Word family
Expressions
nuclear family
1/nˈukliɚ fˈæmɪli/
fixed phrase
Two parents and their children living together
A family with only parents and children living in one home.
Examples
- In many countries, the nuclear family is common.
- She grew up in a nuclear family with two siblings.
nuclear power plant
1/nˈukliɚ pˈaʊɚ plˈænt/
fixed phrase
technical
Facility generating electricity via nuclear energy
A place where electricity is made using the energy from atoms.
Examples
- The new nuclear power plant will provide energy for millions of homes.
- Nuclear power plants need strong safety systems.
nuclear weapon
1/nˈukliɚ wˈɛpən/
fixed phrase
technical
Explosive device using nuclear reactions
A very powerful bomb that uses energy from the center of atoms.
Examples
- The country agreed to stop making nuclear weapons.
- Nuclear weapons can destroy entire cities.