nucleonicsn.
/ˌnjuːklɪˈɒnɪks/, U.S. /ˌn(j)ukliˈɑnɪks/ The branch of science and technology that deals with nucleons and the atomic nucleus, esp. with the practical applications of nuclear energy.
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the world > matter > physics > atomic nucleus > [noun] > study of
nuclear physics1931
nucleonics1945
1945 Rep. Polit. & Social Problems (Univ. Chicago: Manhattan Proj.) 11 June (U.S. National Archives: Rec. Group 77, File 76) 2 All present plans for the organization of research, scientific and industrial development, and publication in the field of nucleonics are conditioned by the political and military climate.
1946 Z. Jeffries in Chem. & Engin. News 25 Jan. 186 ‘Nucleonics’ is the generic name used to some extent within the Atomic Energy Project during the war and its use is now gaining in popularity... Since released atomic energy and certain other phenomena [are] derived from the nuclei of atoms and thus from the nucleons, it seems appropriate that the generic name should be ‘nucleonics’.
1952 Electronic Engin. 24 533 The newer science of nucleonics is gradually leaving the nuclear physics research laboratory and finding applications aimed at producing greater productivity of our industrial processes.
1959 Times 2 Jan. 2 Developments will range from high voltage transmission systems to nucleonics and computer design.
1966 New Scientist 15 Dec. 623/1 Nucleonics—Soldering in place the printed circuit of a geiger counter kit, designed to patent specification of the UK Atomic Energy Authority.
1993 H. Harrison Stainless Steel Visions 92 I rebuilt my camera for about the twentieth time and just about finished a correspondence course in nucleonics.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2003; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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n.1945