nucleus

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "nucleus" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a central core or group of something, such as in the sentence: "The nucleus of the solar system consists of the sun and the planets that orbit it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was still Oasis, because it had that bickering pair of brothers with three vast eyebrows between them as its profane nucleus.

The Guardian - Music

Flower will need to make a rapid assessment of which players he believes will be around and in a position to form the nucleus of the squad in 2015.

The Guardian - Sport

Actually they didn't find this at all, because their study didn't measure activity in the caudate nucleus.

The Guardian

Dr Gregory West is quoted as saying "we also found that gamers rely on the caudate nucleus to a greater degree than non-gamers".

The Guardian

Another rebellious minority – the remnants of the republican movement who refused to accept the IRA's defeat in the 50s border campaign – formed the nucleus of the Provisional IRA.

The Guardian

Málaga thought they had to maintain a strong nucleus, lessen the pressure on the young players, and use what little money they had to add something different as they seek to compete for the top eight or nine places which will bring a significantly better deal.

The Guardian - Sport

Town halls are where you find the council chamber and the nucleus of local democracy but they often seem like impenetrable bastions of power.

The Guardian

Instead it measured a type of behaviour that previous studies have associated with activity in the caudate nucleus.

The Guardian

They were looking for enzymes resembling carbonic anhydrase and also for messenger molecules from the nucleus that carried the instructions for making such enzymes.

The Economist

No-caffeine solution ReprintsRNA interference works by mugging the molecules, known as messenger RNAs, that carry instructions from the genes in a cell's nucleus to the protein-making apparatus.

The Economist

Many of those tutored during the construction of the firm's first satellites went on to form the nucleus of other countries' space agencies and produce overseas competitors that would come to emulate SST.SST has, nevertheless, maintained what it says is a 40% share of the global export market for small satellites.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "nucleus" in scientific contexts, ensure you're clear about whether you're referring to a cell nucleus or an atomic nucleus to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "nucleus" as a generic term for 'important thing'. It specifically refers to a central core or starting point, not just any significant element.

Linguistic Context

The word "nucleus" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a central part or core. It is used to describe the central component of various entities, from atomic structures to organizational units, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

35%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "nucleus" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun, as validated by Ludwig. It refers to the central or core part of something, with diverse applications across scientific, organizational, and general contexts. The high frequency in News & Media and Science indicates its relevance in both current events and specialized fields. Ludwig AI confirms the versatility and correctness of the word, making it a valuable term in various writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

core

Emphasizes the central and essential part of something.

center

Highlights the middle or pivotal point.

heart

Focuses on the vital and innermost part.

kernel

Suggests a basic or essential element.

crux

Indicates the most important or decisive point.

basis

Refers to the foundation or groundwork.

source

Highlights the origin or starting point.

origin

Focuses on the place or situation from which something begins.

seed

Suggests the initial element from which something grows.

focal point

Highlights the center of interest or activity.

FAQs

How can I use "nucleus" in a sentence?

You can use "nucleus" to refer to the central part of an atom, a cell, or the core of a group or organization. For instance, "The cell's "nucleus" contains genetic material" or "This committee will form the "nucleus" of the new project team."

What is the meaning of "nucleus"?

The word "nucleus" has several meanings, including the central part of an atom, the core of a cell containing genetic material, or the central or essential part of a group or system.

What can I say instead of "nucleus"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "core", "center", "heart", or "kernel".

What is the difference between "nucleus" and "center"?

"Nucleus" often implies a central part around which other things gather or develop, whereas "center" simply indicates a middle point or location. The "nucleus" is more dynamic, suggesting a point of origin or control.