nucleate

verb nu·cle·ate \ ˈnü-klē-ˌāt , ˈnyü- \

Definition of nucleate

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

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nucleation

play \ˌnü-klē-ˈā-shən, ˌnyü-\ noun

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nucleator

play \ˈnü-klē-ˌā-tər, ˈnyü-\ noun

Recent Examples of nucleate from the Web

At the Plate The study of these zinc oxide plates and how the plates nucleate and grow as secondary structures on zinc oxide surfaces contributes toward America’s goal of a clean, abundant and secure energy future.

— marissa fessenden, Smithsonian, "Scientists Make Art From Objects Invisible to the Naked Eye," 28 Feb. 2017
Ozone forms from nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons through atmospheric chemical reactions that speed up with heat, while particulates nucleate around liquid droplets and can penetrate deeply into the lungs.

— jeffrey marlow, WIRED, "Climate Change Will Be Hazardous to Your Health," 19 Nov. 2014
At the Plate The study of these zinc oxide plates and how the plates nucleate and grow as secondary structures on zinc oxide surfaces contributes toward America’s goal of a clean, abundant and secure energy future.

— marissa fessenden, Smithsonian, "Scientists Make Art From Objects Invisible to the Naked Eye," 28 Feb. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'nucleate.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.