noun

nucleus

nucleus, core

The nucleus is the center of an atom.

The nucleus is the centre of an atom.

Every cell in your body has a nucleus.

Every cell in your body has a nucleus.

They formed the nucleus of a new team.

They formed the nucleus of a new team.

the nucleus of ((sth.)) the central and most important part of an object or group They formed the nucleus of a new team.

Synonyms: core, centre, kernel, heart

From Latin 'nucleus', a diminutive of 'nux' meaning 'nut', hence 'a small nut' or 'kernel'.

Picture a nut. The 'nucleus' is the kernel inside, the most important, central part.

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