nucleate
/ˈnukliˌeɪt/
verb
- To form a nucleus or begin the process of forming a new structure, such as a crystal, bubble, or cell.
- The solution must be cooled slowly so that crystals can nucleate properly.
- Ice crystals nucleate around tiny particles of dust in the atmosphere.
- In biology, certain proteins help nucleate the formation of new cell structures.
Synonyms
adjective
- Having a nucleus or relating to a nucleus.
- In nucleate boiling, bubbles form at specific points on a heated surface.
- Nucleate cells contain a membrane-bound nucleus.
- The nucleate region of the atom is extremely dense.