nucleophile

noun

nu·​cle·​o·​phile ˈnü-klē-ə-ˌfī(-ə)l How to pronounce nucleophile (audio)
ˈnyü-
: a nucleophilic substance (such as an electron-donating reagent)

Word History

First Known Use

1943, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nucleophile was in 1943

Dictionary Entries Near nucleophile

Cite this Entry

“Nucleophile.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nucleophile. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

nucleophile

noun
nu·​cleo·​phile ˈn(y)ü-klē-ə-ˌfīl How to pronounce nucleophile (audio)
: a nucleophilic substance (as an electron-donating reagent)

More from Merriam-Webster on nucleophile

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!