subnuclear

[ suhb-noo-klee-er, nyoo-or, by metathesis, -kyuh-ler ]

adjective

1. pertaining to particles within or smaller than an atomic nucleus.

subnuclear

/ sʌbˈnjuːklɪə /

adjective

1. of or relating to particles within the nucleus of an atom
2. of a lesser level of organization than the nucleus of an atom

Pronunciation Note

See nuclear ( def ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of subnuclear¹

First recorded in 1950–55; sub- + nuclear ( def )

Example Sentences

Matter is made up of subnuclear particles—electrons, protons and the like.

From Project Gutenberg