nucleus
UK[ˈnjuːkliəs]US[ˈnuːkliəs]
n
the central and most important part of an object, movement, or group, forming the basis for its activity and growth.
n
(biology) the structure in a cell that contains the chromosomes and controls its growth and reproduction.
n
(physics) the positively charged central core of an atom, consisting of protons and neutrons and containing nearly all its mass.
Morpheme Breakdown
nucle
us
nucle
kernel, central part
us
noun-forming suffix
Etymology
the word 'nucleus' entered english directly from latin in the 18th century, where it originally meant the kernel or inner part of a nut. this latin term itself is a diminutive form related to 'nux' (nut). the conceptual leap from a physical kernel to a figurative or scientific core is elegantly logical. in modern usage, this ancient idea of a central, vital seed has been extended metaphorically to describe the essential core in fields ranging from biology and physics to social organizations, perfectly preserving the original sense of a foundational center from which growth and activity emanate.
Analysis
Structure: nucle (kernel, central part) + us (noun-forming suffix)
nucle is derived from latin 'nucleus', meaning 'kernel, inner part', from 'nux' (nut). the suffix -us is a latin masculine noun ending, often used to form nouns denoting a thing or entity.
Examples
the family business formed the nucleus of his vast commercial empire.
the nucleus of the cell contains the organism's genetic material.
in a fission reaction, the nucleus of an atom is split.