nucleate
UK: ˈnjuːkliˌeɪt | US: ˈnuːkliˌeɪt
vt. to form or organize into a nucleus
vi. to act as a nucleus; to gather around a central point
adj. having a nucleus or nuclei
The word "nucleate" derives from the Latin nucleus, meaning "kernel" or "core," combined with the suffix -ate, which forms verbs indicating causation or transformation. The term originally described biological processes where cells form around a central nucleus, later extending to physical and chemical contexts (e.g., crystal formation). The morphemes reflect a logical progression: nucle- (core) + -ate (action) → "to form a core."
The protein helps nucleate ice crystals in supercooled water.
Under certain conditions, gas bubbles nucleate rapidly in the liquid.
The compound nucleates around impurities in the solution.
In cell division, chromosomes nucleate near the spindle poles.
The team observed how the particles nucleate into larger clusters.