nucleophile

noun

nu·cle·o·phile ˈnü-klē-ə-ˌfī(-ə)l

ˈnyü-

: a nucleophilic substance (such as an electron-donating reagent)

Word History

First Known Use

1943, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of nucleophile was in 1943

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Browse Nearby Words

nucleonics

nucleophile

nucleophilic

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Nucleophile.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nucleophile. Accessed 31 Jul. 2025.

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Medical Definition

nucleophile

noun

nu·cleo·phile ˈn(y)ü-klē-ə-ˌfīl

: a nucleophilic substance (as an electron-donating reagent)

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