Describing a cell or organism that lacks a visible or measurable nucleus, or has an extremely small nucleus.
Combination of 'a-' (not) + 'micro-' (small) + 'nucleate' (having a nucleus), from Latin 'nucleus' meaning kernel. Used in cell biology since the early 1900s.
Some organisms like certain bacteria truly blur the line between 'having' and 'not having' a nucleus, which is why scientists needed this word to describe the gray area between prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
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