Binuclear is a term that is commonly used in chemistry and biology. It refers to a molecule or compound that contains two nuclei. The term binuclear is derived from the Latin word “bi,” meaning two, and “nucleus,” meaning kernel or core. In this article, we will explore the definition, origin, and meaning of binuclear.
Definitions
The term binuclear is used to describe a molecule or compound that contains two nuclei. This can refer to a variety of different types of molecules, including metal complexes, coordination compounds, and organic compounds. In some cases, the two nuclei may be identical, while in others they may be different.
Origin
The term binuclear is derived from the Latin words “bi” and “nucleus.” The word “bi” means two, while “nucleus” refers to the core or center of an atom. The term binuclear was first used in the early 20th century to describe molecules and compounds that contained two nuclei.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, binuclear refers to “having two nuclei.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines binuclear as “having two nuclei or nuclear divisions.” The Cambridge Dictionary defines binuclear as “having two nuclei or consisting of two nuclei.”
Associations
Binuclear compounds are often associated with coordination chemistry, which is the study of the interactions between metal ions and other molecules. Binuclear complexes are also important in biological systems, where they play a role in processes such as DNA replication and protein synthesis.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for binuclear include:
- Bimetallic.
- Dinuclear.
- Dicopper.
- Dizinc.
- Diatomic.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms for binuclear, as it is a specific term that refers to a molecule or compound with two nuclei. However, some related terms include:
- Mononuclear.
- Polynuclear.
- Multinuclear.
The same root words
The root words of binuclear are “bi” and “nucleus.” These words are also found in other scientific terms, such as:
- Bifocal (having two focal points).
- Bipedal (walking on two feet).
- Bilingual (speaking two languages).
- Nucleus (the core or center of an atom).
Example Sentences
- The binuclear complex was found to be highly stable under a range of conditions.
- The DNA molecule contains a binuclear zinc ion that is important for its structure and function.
- The researchers synthesized a new binuclear compound that showed promising activity against cancer cells.
- The coordination chemistry of binuclear complexes is a complex and fascinating field of study.
- The team used X-ray crystallography to determine the structure of the binuclear copper complex.