nuclear physics

American  

[noo-klee-er fiz-iks, nyoo-] / ˈnu kli ər ˈfɪz ɪks, ˈnyu- /

noun

(used with a singular verb)

1. the branch of physics that deals with the behavior, structure, and component parts of atomic nuclei.

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nuclear physics British  

noun

1. (functioning as singular) the branch of physics concerned with the structure and behaviour of the nucleus and the particles of which it consists

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nuclear physics Scientific  

1. The scientific study of the structure and behavior atomic nuclei.

2. See also neutron proton strong force

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Pronunciation

See nuclear ( def. ).

Other Word Forms

• nuclear physicist noun

Etymology

Origin of nuclear physics

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

He would be the lone American in attendance this time, rubbing shoulders and debating the fine points of nuclear physics with the most glittering stars of European science.

From Literature

The neutron and deuterium were both discoveries from that miraculous year of 1932, when nuclear physics gave up some of its greatest secrets.

From Literature

Eager to jump into what was now the hottest line of research in nuclear physics, Brady checked out a lump of lithium from the Chemistry Department storeroom.

From Literature

Rutherford had drawn a road map for the future of nuclear physics.

From Literature

Some thirty universities were performing nuclear physics research on navy contracts, which in some cases accounted for 90 percent of their research budgets.

From Literature

Related Words

• particle physics
• quantum mechanics