núcleo
/ˈnu.klju/masculine
The English word 'core' translates to Portuguese as núcleo or cerne.
Meaning: center or inner part (noun)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| núcleo | /ˈnu.klju/ (Brazil) /ˈnu.kli.u/ (Portugal) |
masculine |
| cerne | /ˈsɛʁ.ni/ (Brazil) /ˈsɛɾ.ni/ (São Paulo) |
masculine |
núcleo is used as a general term for a center or inner part. It is the standard scientific term used in biology, chemistry and physics to refer to a nucleus or a central core.
Which one should you use?
núcleo is the general term for a core. In contrast, cerne is a technical term specifically used to refer to the heartwood of a tree or the very essence of a matter.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both núcleo and cerne are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of núcleo is /ˈnu.klju/. It has 2 syllables, and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- The word núcleo shares its ancestral roots with the English word 'kernel', as both stem from the Latin word for a nut or a seed-shell.
- In Brazilian Portuguese, núcleo is often used in urban planning to describe a 'nucleus' or small cluster of houses that forms a new neighborhood.
- While cerne means 'heartwood' in forestry, it is used poetically to describe the 'soul' or 'essence' of a person's character.
Examples in context
- A noção de algoritmo constitui o núcleo de toda a teoria da computação.The notion of algorithm forms the core of all of the computation theory.This sentence shows how núcleo can refer to the central part of a theory.Tatoeba #10528493 by carlosalberto, translation #10528489 by carlosalberto
- Os cientistas acreditam que Ceres tem um núcleo rochoso e um manto de gelo.Scientists believe that Ceres has a rocky core and an icy mantle.This sentence uses núcleo in a scientific context regarding the center of a celestial body.Tatoeba #4221938 by ajdavidl, translation #3957484 by Hybrid
- A análise deles permitiu uma nova compreensão da possível composição e dimensão do núcleo do planeta anelado.Their analysis led to a new understanding of the possible composition and size of the ringed planet’s core.This sentence uses núcleo to describe the composition of a planet's center.Tatoeba #10815246 by Cangarejo, translation #10815245 by Cangarejo
- O núcleo do projeto é composto por especialistas da área.The core of the project is composed of experts in the field.
- A essência do problema está no núcleo do debate.The core of the problem lies at the heart of the discussion.
- A discussão se concentrou nos fundamentos teóricos.The discussion focused on the core theoretical principles.
- O filme é essencialmente uma comédia.The movie is essentially a comedy.
- No centro do problema, estão as diferenças irreconciliáveis.At the core of the problem are irreconcilable differences.
- A poesia é a alma daquela música.Poetry is the core of that song.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Juliana are discussing a science project at home.
- LucasO núcleo da Terra é muito quente.The Earth's core is very hot.
- JulianaSim, eu li sobre isso no livro.Yes, I read about that in the book.
- LucasO núcleo é composto por metal fundido.The core is made of molten metal.
- JulianaIsso é fascinante, Lucas.That is fascinating, Lucas.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “core” translations and entries núcleo, cerne, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cerne, núcleo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
