nucleus

• Sustantivo que designa la parte central y más importante de un objeto, movimiento o grupo, que sirve de base para su actividad y crecimiento. En biología es el orgánulo denso de la célula que contiene el material genético; en física, el núcleo de carga positiva del átomo; en astronomía, la parte sólida central de un cometa; en anatomía, un conjunto de células nerviosas; y en uso general, un grupo pequeño e imprescindible de personas o cosas.

A noun referring to the central and most important part of an object, movement, or group, forming the basis for its activity and growth. In biology, it is the dense organelle in a cell containing genetic material; in physics, it is the positively charged core of an atom; in astronomy, it is the solid central part of a comet; in anatomy, it is a mass of nerve cells; and in general use, it denotes a small, indispensable group of people or things.

plural irregular

1. Cell nucleusB2formalscientific

   A membrane-bound organelle within a cell that contains the genetic material (DNA and RNA) and controls growth and reproduction.

   Núcleo celular

   • The nucleus directs all cellular activities by regulating gene expression.
   • Scientists extracted the nucleus from the cell for further analysis.
   • The nucleus is often called the control center of the cell.

   Sinónimoskaryon

2. Atomic nucleusB2formalscientific

   The small, dense, positively charged central core of an atom, composed of protons and neutrons.

   Núcleo atómico

   • The atomic nucleus contains nearly all the mass of the atom.
   • Nuclear fission involves splitting the nucleus of an atom.
   • Electrons orbit around the nucleus at various energy levels.

3. Core groupB2formal

   A small, essential group of people or things that form the central part of something larger.

   Núcleo (grupo esencial)

   • A nucleus of experienced staff remained after the reorganization.
   • The club's nucleus consists of five founding members.
   • The project's nucleus is a team of dedicated volunteers.

   Sinónimoscentercoreessencefocushearthubkernelnub

4. Comet nucleusC1formalscientific

   The solid, central part of a comet's head, composed of ice, dust, and frozen gases, which vaporizes near the sun to form the coma and tail.

   Núcleo cometario

   • The comet's nucleus is only a few kilometers in diameter.
   • As the comet approaches the sun, its nucleus heats up and releases gas.
   • Space probes have captured images of a comet's nucleus.

   Sinónimoscore

5. Neural nucleusC1formalmedical

   A distinct cluster of nerve cell bodies within the brain or spinal cord, identifiable by histology.

   Núcleo neural

   • The thalamus contains several important neural nuclei.
   • Damage to a specific neural nucleus can affect motor control.
   • The brainstem has nuclei that regulate vital functions.

6. Lens nucleusC1formalmedical

   The central, densest part of the eye's lens, surrounded by the lens cortex.

   Núcleo del cristalino

   • Cataracts often form in the nucleus of the lens.
   • The lens nucleus becomes harder with age.
   • Surgery may involve removing the cloudy lens nucleus.