B1nounscience
US/ˈnuː.kli.əs/
UK/ˈnjuː.kli.əs/
the middle part of an atom or a living cell; also the most important part of a group
In context
The nucleus of an atom contains protons and neutrons.
The nucleus controls the activities of the cell.
These five players form the nucleus of the national team.
Words that go with nucleus
noun + preposition
- nucleus ofThe nucleus of the team stayed together for years.
- the nucleus of an atomElectrons move around the nucleus of an atom.
noun + noun
- cell nucleusDNA is found in the cell nucleus.
adjective + noun
- atomic nucleusThe atomic nucleus is very small.
verb + noun
- form the nucleusThese volunteers formed the nucleus of the new charity.