pronuclear

¹

[ proh-noo-klee-er, -nyoo-or, by metathesis, -kyuh-ler ]

adjective

1. advocating the building or use of nuclear power plants.
2. advocating the building, stockpiling, or use of nuclear weapons.

pronuclear

²

[ proh-noo-klee-er, -nyoo-or, by metathesis, -kyuh-ler ]

adjective

, Cell Biology.

1. of or relating to a pronucleus.

pronuclear

¹

/ ˌprəʊˈnjuːklɪə /

adjective

1. of or relating to a pronucleus

pronuclear

²

/ ˌprəʊˈnjuːklɪə /

adjective

1. in favour of or supporting the use of nuclear power

Pronunciation Note

See nuclear.

Derived Forms

• ˌproˈnuclearist, nounadjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of pronuclear¹

First recorded in 1970–75; pro- ¹ + nuclear

Origin of pronuclear²

First recorded in 1885–90; pronucle(us) + -ar ¹

Example Sentences

“I wondered what the other side of this argument was. Being pronuclear war?”

From Washington Post

The dash to find ready alternatives to Russian fuel has magnified a political divide in Europe over nuclear power, as a bloc of pronuclear countries led by France, Europe’s biggest atomic producer, pushes for a buildup while Germany and other like-minded countries oppose it, citing the dangers of radioactive waste.

From New York Times

But facing an energy crisis and election challenges from pronuclear opponents, President Emmanuel Macron in early February declared a “nuclear renaissance” in France, including the construction of at least six new reactors as well as possibly extending the lifetime of existing ones.

From Washington Post

Pronuclear South Koreans saw armament as a way to increase the country’s prestige in the international community.

From Washington Post

When presented with potential consequences for going nuclear — such as international sanctions or a U.S. troop withdrawal from South Korea — pronuclear respondents largely remained supportive.

From Washington Post