nucleate

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

adjective

1. having a nucleus.

verb (used with object)

, nu·cle·at·ed, nu·cle·at·ing.

1. to form (something) into a nucleus.

verb (used without object)

, nu·cle·at·ed, nu·cle·at·ing.

1. to form a nucleus.

nucleate

adjective

1. having a nucleus

verb

1. to form a nucleus

Derived Forms

• ˌnucleˈation, noun
• ˈnucleˌator, noun

Other Words From

• nu·cle·a·tion [noo-klee-, ey, -sh, uh, n, nyoo-], noun
• nucle·ator noun
• multi·nucle·ate adjective
• un·nucle·ated adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of nucleate¹

First recorded in 1860–65, nucleate is from the Latin word nucleātus having a kernel or stone. See nucleus, -ate ¹

Example Sentences

This temperature is much higher than most other known ice nucleate material.

From MIT Technology Review

This is when other ideas begin to nucleate around the core idea.

From The Daily Beast

I heard a doctor say to let 'im rest to-night an' 'nucleate in the mornin'.

From Project Gutenberg