nuclei /nu·clei/ (noo´kle-i) [L.] plural of nucleus.
nucleus
nu·cle·i (n  kl -  )n. Plural of nucleus. |
nucleus
[n(y)o̅o̅′klē·əs] pl. nuclei
Etymology: L, nut kernel
1 the central controlling body within a living cell, usually a spheric unit enclosed in a membrane and containing genetic codes for maintaining life systems of the organism and for issuing commands for growth and reproduction.
2 a group of nerve cells of the central nervous system having a common function, such as supporting the sense of hearing or smell.
3 the center of an atom about which electrons rotate.
4 the central element in an organic chemical compound or class of compounds. Formerly called cytoblast. -nuclear, adj.
nuclei
plural of nucleus.
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