Thursday, October 2, 2008

nuclear

Main Entry:
nu·cle·ar
Pronunciation:
\ˈnü-klē-ər, ˈnyü-, ÷-kyə-lər\
Function:
adjective
Date:

1846
1: of, relating to, or constituting a nucleus

2 a: of or relating to the atomic nucleus <nuclear reaction> <nuclear physics> b: used in or produced by a nuclear reaction (as fission) <nuclear fuel> <nuclear waste> <nuclear energy> c (1): being a weapon whose destructive power derives from an uncontrolled nuclear reaction (2): of, produced by, or involving nuclear weapons nuclear age> <nuclear war> (3): armed with nuclear weapons <nuclear powers> d: of, relating to, or powered by nuclear energy nuclear submarine> nuclear debate> nuclear plant>

3: crazy , berserk —usually used in the phrase go nuclear

usage Though disapproved of by many, pronunciations ending in \\-kyə-lər\\ have been found in widespread use among educated speakers including scientists, lawyers, professors, congressmen, United States cabinet members, and at least two United States presidents and one vice president. While most common in the United States, these pronunciations have also been heard from British and Canadian speakers.


2 comments:

Smart Is Cool Co- Founder said...

LMAO..now if we can get George Bush and Sarah Palin to learn how to pronounce Nuclear!!!

MK said...

I guess you were watching the debate as well! Thanks for the comment and please feel free to drop me a line if you want to see any specific topics discussed.