nucleate
verb
nu·cle·ate ˈnü-klē-ˌāt 
ˈnyü-
nucleated; nucleating
transitive verb
1
: to form into a nucleus : cluster
2
: to act as a nucleus for
3
: to supply nuclei to
intransitive verb
1
: to form a nucleus
2
: to act as a nucleus
3
: to begin to form
nucleation
ˌnü-klē-ˈā-shən
noun ˌnyü-
nucleator
ˈnü-klē-ˌā-tər
noun ˈnyü-
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Rough spots inside a glass can also help to nucleate bubbles; some glassmakers etch shapes inside glasses to help this process along. 
Nicola Jones, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 Dec. 2021 These boundaries often contain areas of enhanced wind shear (change in wind direction), leading to pockets of spin that can nucleate a tornado within stronger storm cells. Washington Post, 23 Dec. 2020 At the Plate The study of these zinc oxide plates and how the plates nucleate and grow as secondary structures on zinc oxide surfaces contributes toward America’s goal of a clean, abundant and secure energy future. Marissa Fessenden, Smithsonian, 28 Feb. 2017 Ozone forms from nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons through atmospheric chemical reactions that speed up with heat, while particulates nucleate around liquid droplets and can penetrate deeply into the lungs. Jeffrey Marlow, WIRED, 19 Nov. 2014 At the PlateThe study of these zinc oxide plates and how the plates nucleate and grow as secondary structures on zinc oxide surfaces contributes toward America’s goal of a clean, abundant and secure energy future. Marissa Fessenden, Smithsonian, 28 Feb. 2017
Nicola Jones, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 Dec. 2021 These boundaries often contain areas of enhanced wind shear (change in wind direction), leading to pockets of spin that can nucleate a tornado within stronger storm cells. Washington Post, 23 Dec. 2020 At the Plate The study of these zinc oxide plates and how the plates nucleate and grow as secondary structures on zinc oxide surfaces contributes toward America’s goal of a clean, abundant and secure energy future. Marissa Fessenden, Smithsonian, 28 Feb. 2017 Ozone forms from nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons through atmospheric chemical reactions that speed up with heat, while particulates nucleate around liquid droplets and can penetrate deeply into the lungs. Jeffrey Marlow, WIRED, 19 Nov. 2014 At the PlateThe study of these zinc oxide plates and how the plates nucleate and grow as secondary structures on zinc oxide surfaces contributes toward America’s goal of a clean, abundant and secure energy future. Marissa Fessenden, Smithsonian, 28 Feb. 2017 Word History
Etymology
Late Latin nucleatus, past participle of nucleare to become stony, from Latin nucleus
First Known Use
1856, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1
Medical Definition
nucleate
verb
nu·cle·ate ˈn(y)ü-klē-ˌāt
nucleated; nucleating
transitive verb
1
: to form into a nucleus
2
: to act as a nucleus for
3
: to supply nuclei to
intransitive verb
1
: to form a nucleus
2
: to act as a nucleus
3
: to begin to form