enucleate
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /ɪˈnjuːklieɪt/
KK: /ɪˈnjuːklieɪt/
adjective
Definition
Describing a cell or organism that does not have a nucleus.
Example
The enucleate cells were unable to perform certain functions that require a nucleus.
Conversation
Did you know that some cells are enucleate?
Really? I never heard that term before.
Yeah, it means they lack a nucleus, which is pretty interesting.
That is cool! I wonder how they function without one.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
nucleate
cellular
unstructured
Antonyms
nucleated
structured
complex
transitive verb
Definition
To remove the nucleus from a cell or to take out something completely from its surrounding area.
Example
The surgeon had to enucleate the tumor to ensure it was completely removed.
Tense Forms
Past: enucleated
Past Participle: enucleated
Conversation
Did you hear about the surgery where they had to enucleate the tumor?
Yeah, that's pretty intense! I can't imagine going through that.
Exactly, it sounds so complicated and risky.
Root Explanation
Enucleate → It is formed from "e-" (meaning out) and "nucleare" (from Latin "nucleus", meaning kernel or core). The word describes the act of removing or extracting the core or nucleus from something.
Memory Tip
Think of 'removing' ('e-') the 'core' ('nucleus') of something — that's why enucleate means to extract the core.
Visually Confused Words
denucleate
nucleate
anucleate
binucleate
nuclease
unnucleated
uninucleate
trinucleate