nuclear

B1 · Intermediate

adj. describing powerful weapons that use atomic energy to cause a massive explosion.

adj. denoting weapons that derive their destructive force from nuclear reactions.

“The two nations signed a treaty to reduce the number of nuclear missiles they owned.”

“The proliferation of nuclear weaponry remains a primary concern for international security and diplomatic relations in the twenty-first century.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate

adj. describing a small family group consisting only of parents and their children.

adj. relating to or constituting a family unit consisting of two parents and their offspring.

“In many modern cities, the nuclear family is more common than living with grandparents and cousins.”

“Sociologists have noted that while the nuclear family was the twentieth-century ideal, diverse household structures are becoming increasingly prevalent.”

C1 · Advanced Biology Technical

adj. relating to the nucleus, which is the control center of a living cell.

adj. pertaining to the nucleus of a biological cell.

“The scientist looked at the nuclear membrane under a powerful microscope.”

“The study focused on how specific proteins are transported across the nuclear envelope to regulate gene expression.”

C1 · Advanced Informal

adj. describing a very strong or extreme way of dealing with a problem.

adj. referring to an extreme or drastic course of action, often with irreversible consequences.

“The manager decided to go nuclear and fire the entire team after the project failed.”

“The board threatened to go nuclear by cancelling the merger entirely if the new terms were not met by midnight.”