nucleophilic

adjective

nu·​cle·​o·​phil·​ic ˌnü-klē-ə-ˈfi-lik How to pronounce nucleophilic (audio)
ˌnyü-
1
of an atom, ion, or molecule : having an affinity for atomic nuclei : being an electron donor
2
: involving a nucleophilic species
a nucleophilic reaction
compare electrophilic
nucleophilically adverb
nucleophilicity noun

Examples of nucleophilic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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It can be synthesized in a number of ways—Liu’s team has experimented with making it from various nucleophilic agents, solvents, and mechanical supports—but the key starting ingredients always include lithium sulfide (Li2S) and phosphorus sulfide (P2S5). IEEE Spectrum, 3 Feb. 2020

Word History

First Known Use

1933, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of nucleophilic was in 1933

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Cite this Entry

“Nucleophilic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nucleophilic. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Medical Definition

nucleophilic

adjective
nu·​cleo·​phil·​ic ˌn(y)ü-klē-ə-ˈfil-ik How to pronounce nucleophilic (audio)
1
of an atom, ion, or molecule : having an affinity for atomic nuclei : being an electron donor
2
: involving a nucleophilic species
a nucleophilic reaction
nucleophilically adverb
nucleophilicity noun
plural nucleophilicities
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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