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

Word History

First Known Use

1933, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of nucleophilic was in 1933

Dictionary Entries Near nucleophilic

Cite this Entry

“Nucleophilic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nucleophilic. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

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
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