nuclear
PronouncedNOOK-lee-er
adjectiveUsing energy made by splitting or joining atoms to make electricity.
adjectiveA weapon that uses the huge power of splitting atoms to cause a massive explosion.
adjectiveAbout the centre part of an atom.
adjectiveAbout a family with parents and their children living together.
Syllables
3 syllables
Letters
Phonics breakdown
Phonics Rule: Letter N
Sound“n”·/n/
The letter N makes the /n/ sound, like in 'net', 'nap', and 'nut'. The tongue tip touches behind the upper teeth.
N is a voiced alveolar nasal — the tongue tip touches the ridge behind the upper teeth while voice hums through the nose. It is one of the most common consonants in English.
Tip
N hums through the nose — say /n/ and feel the buzz!
Examples
Phonics Rule: Open Syllable U — “oo” (Long U)
Sound“oo”·/uː/
In an open syllable, when U follows L, R, S, or J it says 'oo' instead of 'yoo' — like in 'su-per' and 'tru-ly'.
Same open-syllable pattern as the companion Open Syllable U (“yoo”) rule, but when the lone U follows L, R, S, or J it drops the Y-glide and says pure “oo” (su-per, ru-by, tru-ly). Same letter, different sound depending on what comes before it.
Tip
After L, R, S, J — U says oo, not yoo!
Examples
Phonics Rule: CL Blend
Sound“kl”·/kl/
C and L blend together — you hear both sounds! Like in 'class' and 'clean'.
The blend CL combines /k/ and /l/ spoken quickly together.
Examples
Phonics Rule: EAR says “eer”
Sound“eer”·/ɪər/
EAR usually makes the “eer” sound, like in 'ear', 'hear', and 'near'.
EAR most often says “eer” (the 'ear' sound): ear, hear, near, year, clear, dear, fear.
Tip
Hear with your ear — hear, near, year!
Examples
What is SnapPhonics?
A phonics reference for teachers, parents and learners. Every English word, broken into the sounds that make it — with audio, syllables, and the rule behind each spelling.
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