nuclear physics

[noo-klee-er fiz-iks, nyoo-] / ˈnu kli ər ˈfɪz ɪks, ˈnyu- /

NOUN

atomic science

Synonyms

STRONGEST

particle physics quantum mechanics

WEAK

atomic physics atomics atomistics atomology nucleonics quantum physics

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

This holds the same profound implications for defense and intelligence today as nuclear physics did 80 years ago.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026

It’s going from social media and crypto into nuclear physics.

From Barron's • Dec. 19, 2025

Using IBM's quantum hardware, they successfully simulated key features of nuclear physics on more than 100 qubits.

From Science Daily • Nov. 19, 2025

The experiment involved bombarding a thin sheet of gold foil with alpha particles, and earned Rutherford, from Bridgewater on New Zealand's South Island, the moniker the "father of nuclear physics".

From BBC • Jan. 21, 2025

Consequently, it would no longer be possible to compel “all those interested in nuclear physics and penetrating radiations to come to Berkeley.”

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik