Basic Details
Word: Nuclear
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: To do with the nucleus, the centre of an atom, or with the energy released when atoms are split or joined. It can also mean to do with the centre of a cell or a family.
Synonyms: atomic
Word origin: From nucleus, a Latin word for a nut or kernel.
How to Spell Nuclear
Syllables: nu - cle - ar
Tricky part: Many people say nu-cu-lar, which leads to the misspelling nucular. The letters after nu are c-l-e-a-r.
Watch out for: nucular, nuclier, neuclear
Memory tip: Nuclear ends with the word clear: nu + clear. Keep the word clear in mind and the nucular mistake cannot happen.
Usage Examples
Example 1: The nuclear plant at Kudankulam is in Tamil Nadu.
Example 2: A nuclear family has parents and their children living together.
Example 3: Our textbook explains how nuclear reactors turn heat into electricity.
Fun Fact
India's first nuclear power station, at Tarapur in Maharashtra, began supplying electricity in 1969.
Practise the CREST Way
Word Cookie
Fill in the missing letters to complete the word:
n_cl_ar
a) e, e
b) u, i
c) o, e
d) u, e
Show answer
d) u, e. Say it slowly, nu-clear: u after the n, and the word clear at the end.
Mingle-Mangle
Unjumble the letters to find the word that fits the sentence:
The submarine runs on rcunlea power, so it can stay under water for months.
a) nucleus
b) nuclear
c) cellular
d) unclear
Show answer
b) nuclear. Unclear uses the very same letters, but only nuclear power makes sense here.
Word Connection
Choose the synonym of the word nuclear as it is used in the sentence:
The scientists explained the nuclear energy released when atoms split.
a) solar
b) chemical
c) atomic
d) electric
Show answer
c) atomic. Nuclear energy comes from the atom, so atomic is the matching word.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. A nuclear family is a household of ____.
a) grandparents, uncles and cousins
b) scientists working together
c) neighbours on the same street
d) parents and their children
Show answer
d) parents and their children
2. Nuclear energy comes from changes inside the ____ of an atom.
a) outer shell
b) electrons
c) nucleus
d) air around
Show answer
c) nucleus
