micronucleate
|mi-cro-nu-cle-ate|
🇺🇸
/ˌmaɪkroʊˈnuː.kli.eɪt/
🇬🇧
/ˌmaɪ.krəʊˈnjuː.kli.eɪt/
having or forming a small nucleus
Etymology
'micronucleate' originates from English, specifically from the combination of the prefix 'micro-' meaning 'small' and 'nucleus' meaning 'kernel' or 'core', with the suffix '-ate' forming adjectives or verbs.
'micronucleate' was formed in modern scientific English by combining 'micro-' and 'nucleus' with '-ate', and has been used in biology since the 20th century.
Initially, it meant 'having a small nucleus' or 'to form a small nucleus', and this meaning has remained consistent in scientific contexts.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to induce or cause the formation of a micronucleus in a cell.
Researchers micronucleate cells to study genetic damage.
Verb 2
past tense or past participle form of 'micronucleate'.
The cells were micronucleated after exposure to the chemical.
Adjective 1
having or containing a micronucleus, especially as a result of a biological process or experimental treatment.
The micronucleate cell was observed under the microscope.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/08/02 20:18