polynuclear

adjective

poly·​nu·​cle·​ar ˌpä-lē-ˈnü-klē-ər How to pronounce polynuclear (audio)
-ˈnyü-,
 nonstandard  -kyə-lər
: chemically polycyclic especially with respect to the benzene ring
used chiefly of aromatic hydrocarbons that are important as pollutants and possibly as carcinogens

Examples of polynuclear in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web There was evidence of total petroleum hydrocarbons, though the summary did not list which specific chemicals, and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons – chemicals that occur naturally in coal, crude oil, and gasoline – in the soil. Kaitlin Durbin, cleveland, 17 Aug. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'polynuclear.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1908, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of polynuclear was in 1908

Dictionary Entries Near polynuclear

Cite this Entry

“Polynuclear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polynuclear. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

polynuclear

adjective
poly·​nu·​cle·​ar ˌpäl-i-ˈn(y)ü-klē-ər How to pronounce polynuclear (audio)
: chemically polycyclic especially with respect to the benzene ring
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