nucleate

[ adjective noo-klee-it, -eyt, nyoo-; verb noo-klee-eyt, nyoo- ]

adjective

1. having a nucleus.

verb (used with object)

, nu·cle·at·ed, nu·cle·at·ing.

1. to form (something) into a nucleus.

verb (used without object)

, nu·cle·at·ed, nu·cle·at·ing.

1. to form a nucleus.

nucleate

adjective

1. having a nucleus

verb

1. to form a nucleus

Derived Forms

• ˌnucleˈation, noun
• ˈnucleˌator, noun

Other Words From

• nu·cle·a·tion [noo-klee-, ey, -sh, uh, n, nyoo-], noun
• nucle·ator noun
• multi·nucle·ate adjective
• un·nucle·ated adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of nucleate¹

First recorded in 1860–65, nucleate is from the Latin word nucleātus having a kernel or stone. See nucleus, -ate ¹

Example Sentences

The research team delved deeply into possible mechanisms for diamonds to nucleate and grow under these new conditions.

From Science Daily

"If you look across kingdoms that can nucleate ice, there are insects, lichen, bacteria and fungi. All of these seem to have evolved independently, very potent ice nucleants" she said.

From Science Daily

“There also needs to be laboratory research to investigate the consequences of adding these metals to sulfuric acid particles. Can the particles nucleate ice and impact clouds and chemistry in the stratosphere?”

From Scientific American

The quantification of ice nucleating particles and understanding their properties proved to be a cumbersome challenge.

From Science Daily

Over time, Duszyn´ski hopes the elite teams will nucleate Ukraine’s scientific revival, by strengthening their connections to top institutions all over the world.

From Science Magazine