How to pronounce nucleotide
Say it like NOO-klee-uh-tyde. Nucleotide has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (NOO).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce nucleotide. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- NOO
- klee
- uh
- tyde
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Nucleotide pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- NOOSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "oo" in food.
- kleeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- tydeGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in time.
American vs British pronunciation of nucleotide
- British speakers add a light "y" sound before the "oo" (as in "tyoon" for tune).
British respelling: NYOO-klee-uh-tyde.
What does nucleotide mean?
- The monomer constituting DNA or RNA biopolymer molecules. Each nucleotide consists of a nitrogenous heterocyclic base (or nucleobase), which can be either a double-ringed purine or a single-ringed pyrimidine; a five-carbon pentose sugar (deoxyribose in DNA or ribose in RNA); and a phosphate group.
Where does nucleotide come from?
From nucleo- (“relating to the nucleus”) + -ide (“chemical suffix”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying nucleotide
How do you pronounce nucleotide?
Say NOO-klee-uh-tyde. The American pronunciation is /ˈnukliəˌtaɪd/. In British English it is /ˈnjuːkliəˌtaɪd/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in nucleotide?
Nucleotide has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (NOO). Broken into parts: NOO · klee · uh · tyde.
Is nucleotide pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. British speakers add a light "y" sound before the "oo" (as in "tyoon" for tune). The British form is /ˈnjuːkliəˌtaɪd/ (NYOO-klee-uh-tyde).