Definition & Meaning of "nucleus"

Nucleus

NOUN

(biology) the part of a cell that contains most of the genetic information

Example

The nucleus of a cell contains genetic material in the form of DNA, which regulates cellular activities.

The nucleus is surrounded by a double membrane called the nuclear envelope, which controls the passage of materials into and out of the nucleus.

a central or most important group within a larger organization, often responsible for leadership or key decisions

core

core group

Example

The nucleus of the team consisted of senior engineers who led the development process.

The political nucleus of the movement pushed for major reforms in the education system.

the positively charged dense center of an atom

any histologically identifiable mass of neural cell bodies in the brain or spinal cord

the central structure of the lens that is surrounded by the cortex

the central core of a comet, which is composed of ice, dust, and rocky materials

Example

The nucleus of Comet Hale-Bopp is believed to be several kilometers in diameter.

The nucleus of a comet contains volatile substances that vaporize when the comet approaches the Sun, creating its characteristic tail.

the central and typically sonorous part of a syllable, usually occupied by a vowel or a vowel-like sound

What is a "nucleus"?

A nucleus is the central part of a syllable, usually consisting of a vowel sound. It serves as the core around which the rest of the syllable is built, and it is essential for the syllable's structure. For example, in the word "cat," the nucleus is the "a" sound, while in "beat," the nucleus is the "ea" sound. The nucleus is important in phonetics because it contributes to the overall sound and rhythm of speech, playing a key role in how syllables are formed and how words are pronounced in various languages.