Pronunciation: [njˈuːklɪˌe͡ɪts] (IPA) 
The word "nucleates" is spelled with two syllables: "nu-klee-ates". The first syllable is pronounced with a short u sound, as in "but" (IPA symbol: ʌ), and the second syllable is pronounced with a long e sound, as in "eat" (IPA symbol: iː). The final "s" is pronounced with a soft "z" sound, as in "buzz" (IPA symbol: z). "Nucleates" is a verb that means to cause something to form a nucleus or central core.
noun (plural: nucleates)
1. A substance or entity that serves as a starting point or seed for the formation or growth of something, particularly in relation to minerals and crystals.
verb (third person present tense: nucleates; present participle: nucleating; past tense: nucleated; past participle: nucleated)
1. (transitive) To initiate or catalyze the formation or growth of something by providing a nucleus or seed for its development, particularly in relation to minerals, crystals, or chemical reactions.
Example: The presence of foreign particles in the water nucleates the formation of ice crystals.
2. (intransitive) To form into a central or core structure or cluster, serving as the focus or center of a larger aggregate or process.
Example: During the early stages of star formation, interstellar clouds nucleate to form protostars.
3. (intransitive) To gather or accumulate in specific regions, often due to attractive forces or the presence of a nucleus.
Example: Under certain conditions, water vapor molecules can nucleate around small dust particles present in the atmosphere to form clouds.
4. (intransitive) To come together or assemble around a central nucleus or point of origin, becoming concentrated or condensed.
Example: In the process of crystal growth, individual atoms or molecules nucleate together at specific points, resulting in the formation of an ordered solid structure.
The word "nucleates" is derived from the noun "nucleus", which comes from the Latin word "nuculeus" meaning "kernel" or "core". The term "nucleus" has been in use since the 17th century to describe the central part or core of something, whether in biological, physical, or atomic contexts. The verb form "nucleates" is formed by adding the suffix "-ate", which indicates the action or state of the noun. In this case, "nucleates" refers to the action of forming or providing a nucleus.
