Nuclear \nu"cle*ar\, adj.

1. Of or pertaining to a nucleus; as, the nuclear spindle (see Karyokinesis) or the nuclear fibrils of a cell; the nuclear part of a comet, etc
2. (Of power and warfare and weaponry) using atomic energy; "nuclear (or atomic) submarines"; "nuclear war"; "nuclear weapons"; "atomic bombs" [syn: atomic] [ant: conventional]
3. (Physics) "nuclear physics"; "nuclear fission"; "nuclear forces"
4. (Biology) "nuclear membrane"
5. Constituting or like a nucleus; "annexation of the suburban fringe by the nuclear metropolis"; "the nuclear core of the congregation"