nucleate

verb

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nu·cle·ate | \ ˈnü-klē-ˌāt

, ˈnyü- \

nucleated; nucleating

Definition of nucleate

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

Other Words from nucleate Example Sentences Learn More About nucleate

Other Words from nucleate

nucleation \ ˌnü-klē-ˈā-shən

, ˌnyü- \ noun

nucleator \ ˈnü-klē-ˌā-tər

, ˈnyü- \ noun

Examples of nucleate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Rough spots inside a glass can also help to nucleate bubbles; some glassmakers etch shapes inside glasses to help this process along. — Nicola Jones, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 Dec. 2021 These boundaries often contain areas of enhanced wind shear (change in wind direction), leading to pockets of spin that can nucleate a tornado within stronger storm cells. — Washington Post, 23 Dec. 2020 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, 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, 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, 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.