Dictionary Workbench Ondict

nucleus

Dictionary entry view. Switch to definition mode above when you know the meaning but not the word.

nucleus
nucleus /ˈnjuːkliəs $ ˈnuː-/ noun (plural nuclei /-kliaɪ/) [countable]
 Date: 1700-1800
 Language: Latin
 Origin: 'center of a nut', from nux 'nut'
1. the central part of an atom, made up of neutrons, protons, and other elementary particles
2. the central part of almost all the cells of living things
3. a small important group at the centre of a larger group or organization
    nucleus of
    the nucleus of an effective team
    Marantz and Grohl form the nucleus of the Atlanta operation.