Meanings
nounnuclein (countable and uncountable, plural nucleins)
plural nucleins
- countableuncountablebiochemistryA phosphorus-rich protein found in the nucleus of a cell, later specifically nucleohistone or nucleoprotamine; also, any similar compound present in the cell nucleus.First known use 19th c.
While delving microscopically through the pus in surgical bandages, Miescher found a substance he didn't recognize and called it nuclein (because it resided in the nuclei of cells).
2003, Bill Bryson, A Short History of Nearly Everything, BCA, published 2003, page 354
Origin
- GermanNuclein
- Englishnuclein
From German Nuclein, corresponding to nucleus + -in.
More words from German
Full word history & related roots →Translations
German Nuclein
- NucleinTranslations
Greek νουκλεΐνη
- νουκλεΐνη (noukleḯni)Translations
Italian nucleina
- nucleinaTranslations
Portuguese nucleína
- nucleínaTranslations
Russian нуклеи́н
- нуклеи́н (nukleín)Translations
Spanish nucleína
- nucleínaTranslations
Ukrainian нуклеї́н
- нуклеї́н (nuklejín)Translations
Rhymes & wordplay
Anagrams
Cite this entry
APA
nuclein. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 3, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/nuclein
MLA
“nuclein.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/nuclein. Accessed November 3, 2026.
Chicago
WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “nuclein,” accessed November 3, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/nuclein.
Source: nuclein on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.