amperser
Add a rule on the plural of nucleus
source: Garner's Modern American Usage
source_url: http://www.amazon.com/Garners-Modern-American-Usage-Garner/dp/0195382757
nucleus.
In traditional senses, the plural is "nuclei" — not *"nucleuses." E.g.: "[For DNA testing to work,] there have to be cell nuclei present, and hair that has been pulled away from its roots doesn't contain any nuclei." Laurie P. Cohen, "Inside the Cell," Wall Street J., 19 Dec. 1997, at A1.
But in sports talk — in which "nucleus" means "a core of strong players on a team" — "nucleuses" is standard. E.g.:
o "Now, with Villanova and Georgetown returning with strong nucleuses, UConn's reign will be tested." Steve Richardson, "UConn's Big East Reign Faces Challenges," Dallas Morning News, 5 Nov. 1995, at B12.
o "Christie Burden, Megan Frank and Latoya Robinson all started a year ago and along with Selwyn make for one of the best — if not tallest — nucleuses around." Michael S. Snyder, "Strongest in Decades," Sun-Sentinel (Ft. Lauderdale), 19 Nov. 1997, at 22.
*Invariably inferior form.
