nucleate

verb

nu·​cle·​ate ˈnü-klē-ˌāt How to pronounce nucleate (audio)
ˈnyü-
nucleated; nucleating

transitive verb

1
: to form into a nucleus : cluster
2
: to act as a nucleus for
3
: to supply nuclei to

intransitive verb

1
: to form a nucleus
2
: to act as a nucleus
3
: to begin to form
nucleation
ˌnü-klē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce nucleate (audio)
ˌnyü-
noun
nucleator
ˈnü-klē-ˌā-tər How to pronounce nucleate (audio)
ˈnyü-
noun

Examples of nucleate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Mineral particles like Saharan dust are abundant in the atmosphere and can nucleate ice. — Quanta Magazine, 17 June 2024 Researchers have identified a few things that can make a surface better or worse at nucleating ice. — Quanta Magazine, 17 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin nucleatus, past participle of nucleare to become stony, from Latin nucleus

First Known Use

1856, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of nucleate was in 1856

Rhymes for nucleate

See All Rhymes for nucleate

Browse Nearby Words

nuclease
nucleate
nucleated
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Cite this Entry

“Nucleate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nucleate. Accessed 30 Mar. 2025.

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Medical Definition

nucleate

verb
nu·​cle·​ate ˈn(y)ü-klē-ˌāt How to pronounce nucleate (audio)
nucleated; nucleating

transitive verb

1
: to form into a nucleus
2
: to act as a nucleus for
3
: to supply nuclei to

intransitive verb

1
: to form a nucleus
2
: to act as a nucleus
3
: to begin to form
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