Definitions

(noun,adjective) nucleus; nuclear
(noun) pit; stone (of fruit)
(verb) to examine; to verify

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character 核, structured with the wood radical 木 and the phonetic component 亥, initially specifically referred to the hard pit or stone found inside fruits, directly linking its meaning to botanical elements. Its semantic scope broadened over time to metaphorically indicate the central or most essential part of any entity or idea, such as the core of a matter. This extended meaning later provided the basis for its application in modern scientific terminology, where it denotes atomic nuclei and related concepts like nuclear physics. The compositional integrity of the character has been maintained, with 木 consistently signaling its original plant-related sense and 亥 functioning as a phonetic indicator.

Example Sentences Hide

这个桃子有一个

Zhège táozi yǒu yīgè hé.

This peach has a pit.

心团队很重要。

Héxīn tuánduì hěn zhòngyào.

The core team is very important.

能是一种清洁能源。

Hénéng shì yī zhǒng qīngjié néngyuán.

Nuclear energy is a type of clean energy.

我们需要对一下数据。

Wǒmen xūyào héduì yīxià shùjù.

We need to check the data.

电站必须安全运行。

Hédiànzhàn bìxū ānquán yùnxíng.

Nuclear power plants must operate safely.

武器扩散是国际关切的问题。

Héwǔqì kuòsàn shì guójì guānqiè de wèntí.

The proliferation of nuclear weapons is an issue of international concern.

医生建议他做磁共振检查。

Yīshēng jiànyì tā zuò hécí gòngzhèn jiǎnchá.

The doctor suggested that he undergo an MRI scan.

计成本是项目管理的关键。

Héjì chéngběn shì xiàngmù guǎnlǐ de guānjiàn.

Calculating costs is key to project management.