MULTINUCLEAR Meaning and
Definition
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Multinuclear is an adjective that refers to something having or involving multiple nuclei. A nucleus, in the context of this definition, can be understood as the central part of a cell, usually containing genetic material, or as the central region of an atom, consisting of protons and neutrons. Additionally, multinuclear can also describe a structure or system that comprises multiple distinct nuclei or centers.
In the biological context, multinuclear commonly refers to cells or organisms that possess multiple nuclei within a single cell. This phenomenon is often observed in certain types of fungi, where multiple nuclei coexist within a cell as a result of asexual reproduction or cell fusion. In such organisms, multinuclearity can contribute to enhanced metabolic functions and efficient resource utilization.
In the field of chemistry, multinuclear often describes compounds or complexes containing several nuclei within one molecule. These multinuclear compounds may be utilized in various areas, such as catalysis, molecular recognition, and magnetism research. By incorporating multiple nuclei, these compounds can exhibit unique properties and reactivities that are distinct from their mononuclear counterparts.
In a broader context, multinuclear can refer to any system or structure that involves multiple distinct nuclei or centers. This can pertain to social, political, or organizational structures, where different centers of power or decision-making coexist and interact.
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having two or more nuclei
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for MULTINUCLEAR
Etymology of MULTINUCLEAR
The word "multinuclear" is derived from two roots: "multi-" and "nuclear".
The prefix "multi-" originates from the Latin word "multus", meaning "many" or "much". It is commonly used to indicate a large quantity or a state of being multiple or manifold. In this case, "multi-" refers to having multiple or more than one.
The term "nuclear" comes from the Latin word "nucleus", which originally referred to the kernel or inner part of a fruit. Over time, its usage expanded to include the central or essential part of any object or system. In a scientific context, "nuclear" relates to the nucleus of an atom, which is the core containing protons and neutrons.
When combined, "multi-" and "nuclear" form "multinuclear", referring to having multiple nuclei or being composed of multiple nuclear parts.
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