enucleate

[ verb ih-noo-klee-eyt, ih-nyoo-; adjective ih-noo-klee-it, -eyt, ih-nyoo- ]

verb (used with object)

, e·nu·cle·at·ed, e·nu·cle·at·ing.

1. Biology. to deprive of the nucleus.
2. to remove (a kernel, tumor, eyeball, etc.) from its enveloping cover.
3. Archaic. to bring out; disclose; explain.

adjective

1. having no nucleus.

enucleate

verb

1. biology to remove the nucleus from (a cell)
2. surgery to remove (a tumour or other structure) from its capsule without rupturing it
3. archaic.
   to explain or disclose

adjective

1. (of cells) deprived of their nuclei

Derived Forms

• eˌnucleˈation, noun

Other Words From

• e·nu·cle·a·tion [ih-noo-klee-, ey, -sh, uh, n, -nyoo-] noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of enucleate¹

First recorded in 1540–50; from Latin ēnucleātus (past participle of ēnucleāre “to remove the pit from (fruit)”), equivalent to ē- e- ¹ + nucle(us) nucleus + -ātus -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of enucleate¹

C16: from Latin ēnūcleāre to remove the kernel, from nūcleus kernel

Example Sentences

I suspect that this error must at first have arisen from some confusion between to eliminate and to enucleate.

From Project Gutenberg

Under these circumstances it is better to leave it alone, or, if it be causing signs of irritation, to enucleate the eye.

From Project Gutenberg

It requireth much discernment and much time to enucleate and bring into light their abstruse wisdom and gravely featured virtues.

From Project Gutenberg

In the present imperfect state of knowledge it may be impossible to enucleate miracle, however defined, of all mystery.

From Project Gutenberg

Associated words: enucleate, enucleation, exacinate, exacination.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• clarify
• delineate
• exemplify
• explain
• explicate
• express
• illustrate
• set forth
• spell out