The central and most important part of something. In science, it is the dense center of an atom or the control center of a cell.
From Latin “nucleus,” meaning “kernel” or “little nut,” a diminutive of “nux” (nut). Scientists borrowed it to describe the ‘nut-like’ center of cells and atoms.
The image of a nut at the center of a shell is built into this word, which makes it easier to remember for biology and physics. We also use “nucleus” metaphorically for the core group in a movement, team, or idea.
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