N \N\ ([e^]n),
the fourteenth letter of English alphabet, is a vocal
consonent, and, in allusion to its mode of formation, is
called the dentinasal or linguanasal consonent. Its commoner
sound is that heard in ran, done; but when immediately
followed in the same word by the sound of g hard or k (as in
single, sink, conquer), it usually represents the same sound
as the digraph ng in sing, bring, etc. This is a simple but
related sound, and is called the gutturo-nasal consonent. See
{Guide to Pronunciation}, [sect][sect] 243-246.
Note: The letter N came into English through the Latin and
Greek from the Ph[oe]nician, which probably derived it
from the Egyptian as the ultimate origin. It is
etymologically most closely related to M. See {M}.
N \N\, n. (Print.)
A measure of space equal to half an M (or em); an en.
Na \Na\ (n[aum]), a. & adv.
No, not. See {No}. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Nab \Nab\ (n[a^]b), n. [Cf. {Knap}, {Knop}, {Knob}.]
1. The summit of an eminence. [Prov. Eng.] --Halliwell.
2. (Firearms) The cock of a gunlock. --Knight.
3. (Locksmithing) The keeper, or box into which the lock is
shot. --Knight.
Nab \Nab\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Nabbed}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Nabbing}.] [Dan nappe, or Sw. nappa.]
To catch or seize suddenly or unexpectedly. [Colloq.]
--Smollett.
Nabit \Na"bit\ (n[=a]"b[i^]t), n.
Pulverized sugar candy. --Crabb.
Nabk \Nabk\ (n[a^]bk), n. [Ar. nabiqa, nibqa.] (Bot.)
The edible berries of the {Zizyphys Lotus}, a tree of
Northern Africa, and Southwestern Europe. [Written also
{nubk}.] See {Lotus}
(b), and {Sadr}.
Nabob \Na"bob\ (n[=a]"b[o^]b), n. [Hind. naw[=a]b, from Ar.
naw[=a]b, pl. of n[=a]["i]b a vicegerent, governor. Cf
{Nawab}.]
1. A deputy or viceroy in India; a governor of a province of
the ancient Mogul empire.
2. One who returns to Europe from the East with immense
riches: hence, any man of great wealth. `` A bilious old
nabob.'' --Macaulay.
Nacarat \Nac"a*rat\, n. [F. nacarat, fr. Sp. or Pg. nacarado,
fr. n['a]car mother-of-pearl. See {Nacre}.]
1. A pale red color, with a cast of orange. --Ure.
2. Fine linen or crape dyed of this color. --Ure.
Nacker \Nack"er\, n.
See {Nacre}. --Johnson.
Nacre \Na"cre\, n. [F., cf. Sp. n['a]cara, n['a]car, It.
nacchera, naccaro, LL. nacara, nacrum; of Oriental origin,
cf. Ar. nak[=i]r hollowed.] (Zo["o]l.)
A pearly substance which lines the interior of many shells,
and is most perfect in the mother-of-pearl. [Written also
{nacker} and {naker}.] See {Pearl}, and {Mother-of-pearl}.
Nacreous \Na"cre*ous\, a. [See {Nacre}.] (Zo["o]l.)
Consisting of, or resembling, nacre; pearly.
Nad \Nad\, Nadde \Nad"de\ [Contr. fr. ne hadde.]
Had not. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Nadder \Nad"der\, n. [AS. n[ae]dre. See {Adder}.]
An adder. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Nadir \Na"dir\, n. [F., Sp., & It. nadir; all fr. Ar.
nas[=i]ru's samt nadir, prop., the point opposite the zenith
(as samt), in which nas[=i]r means alike, corresponding to.
Cf. {Azimuth}, {Zenith}.]
1. That point of the heavens, or lower hemisphere, directly
opposite the zenith; the inferior pole of the horizon; the
point of the celestial sphere directly under the place
where we stand.
2. The lowest point; the time of greatest depression.
The seventh century is the nadir of the human mind
in Europe. --Hallam.
{Nadir of the sun} (Astron.), the axis of the conical shadow
projected by the earth. --Crabb.
Naenia \N[ae]"ni*a\, n.
See {Nenia}.
Naeve \N[ae]ve\, n. [L. naevus.]
A n[ae]vus. [Obs.] --Dryden.
Naevoid \N[ae]"void\, a. [N[ae]vus + -oid.]
Resembling a n[ae]vus or n[ae]vi; as, n[ae]void
elephantiasis. --Dunglison.
Naevose \N[ae]"vose`\, a.
Spotted; frecled.
Navus \Na"vus\, n.; pl.{N[ae]vi} (-v[=i]). [L.] (Med.)
A spot or mark on the skin of children when born; a
birthmark; -- usually applied to vascular tumors, i. e.,
those consisting mainly of blood vessels, as dilated
arteries, veins, or capillaries.
Nag \Nag\, n. [OE. nagge, D. negge; akin to E. neigh.]
1. A small horse; a pony; hence, any horse.
2. A paramour; -- in contempt. [Obs.] --Shak.
Nag \Nag\, v. t. & i. [imp. & p. p. {Nagged}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Nagging}.] [Cf. Sw. nagga to nibble, peck, Dan. nage to
gnaw, Icel. naga, gnaga, G. nagen, & E. gnaw.]
To tease in a petty way; to scold habitually; to annoy; to
fret pertinaciously. [Colloq.] ``She never nagged.'' --J.
Ingelow.
Nagging \Nag"ging\, a.
Fault-finding; teasing; persistently annoying; as, a nagging
toothache. [Colloq.]
Naggy \Nag"gy\, a.
Irritable; touchy. [Colloq.]
Nagor \Na"gor\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
A West African gazelle ({Gazella redunca}).
Nagyagite \Nag"yag*ite\, n. [So called from Nagyag, in
Transylvania.] (Min.)
A mineral of blackish lead-gray color and metallic luster,
generally of a foliated massive structure; foliated
tellurium. It is a telluride of lead and gold.
Naiad \Na"iad\, n. [L. naias, -adis, na["i]s, -idis, a water
nymph, Gr ?, ?, fr. ? to flow: cf. F. na["i]ade. Cf. {Naid}.]
1. (Myth.) A water nymph; one of the lower female divinities,
fabled to preside over some body of fresh water, as a
lake, river, brook, or fountain.
2. (Zo["o]l.) Any species of a tribe ({Naiades}) of
freshwater bivalves, including {Unio}, {Anodonta}, and
numerous allied genera; a river mussel.
3. (Zo["o]l) One of a group of butterflies. See {Nymph}.
4. (Bot.) Any plant of the order {Naiadace[ae]}, such as
eelgrass, pondweed, etc.
Naiant \Na"iant\, a. (Her.)
See {Natant}. --Crabb.
Naid \Na"id\, n. [See {Naiad}.] (Zo["o]l.)
Any one of numerous species of small, fresh-water,
ch[ae]topod annelids of the tribe {Naidina}. They belong to
the {Oligoch[ae]ta}.
Naif \Na"["i]f`\ (?; formerly ?), a. [F. na["i]f. See
{Na["i]ve}.]
1. Having a true natural luster without being cut; -- applied
by jewelers to a precious stone.
2. Na["i]ve; as, a na["i]f remark. --London Spectator.
Naik \Na"ik\, n. [Hind. n[=a]yak.]
A chief; a leader; a Sepoy corporal. --Balfour (Cyc. of
India).
Nail \Nail\, n. [AS. n[ae]gel, akin to D. nagel, OS ? OHG.
nagal, G. nagel, Icel. nagl, nail (in sense 1), nagli nail
(in sense 3), Sw. nagel nail (in senses 1 and 3), Dan. nagle,
Goth. ganagljan to nail, Lith. nagas nail (in sense 1), Russ.
nogote, L. unguis, Gr. ?, Skr. nakha. ?]
1. (Anat.) the horny scale of plate of epidermis at the end
of the fingers and toes of man and many apes.
His nayles like a briddes claws were. --Chaucer.
Note: The nails are strictly homologous with hoofs and claws.
When compressed, curved, and pointed, they are called
talons or claws, and the animal bearing them is said to
be unguiculate; when they incase the extremities of the
digits they are called hoofs, and the animal is
ungulate.
2. (Zo["o]l.)
(a) The basal thickened portion of the anterior wings of
certain hemiptera.
(b) The terminal horny plate on the beak of ducks, and
other allied birds.
3. A slender, pointed piece of metal, usually with a head,
used for fastening pieces of wood or other material
together, by being driven into or through them.
Note: The different sorts of nails are named either from the
use to which they are applied, from their shape, from
their size, or from some other characteristic, as
shingle, floor, ship-carpenters', and horseshoe nails,
roseheads, diamonds, fourpenny, tenpenny (see {Penny},
a.), chiselpointed, cut, wrought, or wire nails, etc.
4. A measure of length, being two inches and a quarter, or
the sixteenth of a yard.
{Nail ball} (Ordnance), a round projectile with an iron bolt
protruding to prevent it from turning in the gun.
{Nail plate}, iron in plates from which cut nails are made.
{On the nail}, in hand; on the spot; immediately; without
delay or time of credit; as, to pay money on the nail.
``You shall have ten thousand pounds on the nail.''
--Beaconsfield.
{To hit the nail on the head}, to hit most effectively; to do
or say a thing in the right way.
Nail \Nail\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Nailed}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Nailing}.] [AS. n[ae]glian. See {Nail}, n.]
1. To fasten with a nail or nails; to close up or secure by
means of nails; as, to nail boards to the beams.
He is now dead, and nailed in his chest. --Chaucer.
2. To stud or boss with nails, or as with nails.
The rivets of your arms were nailed with gold.
--Dryden.
3. To fasten, as with a nail; to bind or hold, as to a
bargain or to acquiescence in an argument or assertion;
hence, to catch; to trap.
When they came to talk of places in town, you saw at
once how I nailed them. --Goldsmith.
4. To spike, as a cannon. [Obs.] --Crabb.
{To nail} {a lie or an assertion}, etc., to detect and expose
it, so as to put a stop to its currency; -- an expression
probably derived from the former practice of shopkeepers,
who were accustomed to nail bad or counterfeit pieces of
money to the counter.
Nailbrush \Nail"brush`\, n.
A brush for cleaning the nails.
Nailer \Nail"er\, n.
1. One whose occupation is to make nails; a nail maker.
2. One who fastens with, or drives, nails.
Naileress \Nail"er*ess\, n.
A women who makes nailes.
Nailery \Nail"er*y\, n.; pl. {Naileries}.
A manufactory where nails are made.
Nail-headed \Nail"-head`ed\, a.
Having a head like that of a nail; formed so as to resemble
the head of a nail.
{Nail-headed characters}, arrowheaded or cuneiform
characters. See under {Arrowheaded}.
{Nail-headed molding} (Arch.), an ornament consisting of a
series of low four-sided pyramids resembling the heads of
large nails; -- called also {nail-head molding}, or
{nail-head}. It is the same as the simplest form of
dogtooth. See {Dogtooth}.
Nailless \Nail"less\, a.
Without nails; having no nails.
Nainsook \Nain`sook"\, n. [Nainsukh, a valley in Kaghan.]
A thick sort of jaconet muslin, plain or striped, formerly
made in India.
Nais \Na"is\, n. [L., a naiad.] (Zo["o]l.)
See {Naiad}.
Naissant \Nais`sant"\, a. [F., p. pr. of na[^i]tre to be born,
L. nasci.] (Her.)
Same as {Jessant}.
Naive \Na"["i]ve`\, a. [F. na["i]f, fem. na["i]ve, fr. L.
nativus innate, natural, native. See {Native}, and cf.
{Na["i]f}.]
Having native or unaffected simplicity; ingenuous; artless;
frank; as, na["i]ve manners; a na["i]ve person; na["i]ve and
unsophisticated remarks.
Naively \Na"["i]ve`ly\, adv.
In a na["i]ve manner.
Naivet'e \Na`["i]ve`t['e]"\, n. [F. See {Na["i]ve}, and cf.
{Nativity}.]
Native simplicity; unaffected plainness or ingenuousness;
artlessness.
A story which pleases me by its na["i]vet['e] -- that
is, by its unconscious ingenuousness. --De Quincey.
Naivety \Na"["i]ve`ty\, n.
Na["i]vet['e]. --Carlyle.
Nake \Nake\, v.t.
To make naked. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Come, be ready, nake your swords. --Old Play.
Naked \Na"ked\, a. [AS. nacod; akin to D. naakt, G. nackt, OHG.
nacchot, nahhot, Icel. n["o]kvi[eth]r, nakinn, Sw. naken,
Dan. n["o]gen, Goth. naqa[thorn]s, Lith. n[*u]gas, Russ.
nagii, L. nudus, Skr. nagna. [root]266. Cf. {Nude}.]
1. Having no clothes on; uncovered; nude; bare; as, a naked
body; a naked limb; a naked sword.
2. Having no means of defense or protection; open; unarmed;
defenseless.
Thy power is full naked. --Chaucer.
Behold my bosom naked to your swords. --Addison.
3. Unprovided with needful or desirable accessories, means of
sustenance, etc.; destitute; unaided; bare.
Patriots who had exposed themselves for the public,
and whom they say now left naked. --Milton.
4. Without addition, exaggeration, or excuses; not concealed
or disguised; open to view; manifest; plain.
The truth appears so naked on my side, That any
purblind eye may find it out. --Shak.
All things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him
with whom we to do. --Heb. iv. 13.
5. Mere; simple; plain.
The very naked name of love. --Shak.
6. (Bot.) Without pubescence; as, a naked leaf or stem; bare,
or not covered by the customary parts, as a flower without
a perianth, a stem without leaves, seeds without a
pericarp, buds without bud scales.
7. (Mus.) Not having the full complement of tones; -- said of
a chord of only two tones, which requires a third tone to
be sounded with them to make the combination pleasing to
the ear; as, a naked fourth or fifth.
{Naked bed}, a bed the occupant of which is naked, no night
linen being worn in ancient times. --Shak.
{Naked eye}, the eye alone, unaided by glasses, or by
telescope, microscope, or the like.
{Naked-eyed medusa}. (Zo["o]l.) See {Hydromedusa}.
{Naked flooring} (Carp.), the timberwork which supports a
floor. --Gwilt.
{Naked mollusk} (Zo["o]l.), a nudibranch.
{Naked wood} (Bot.), a large rhamnaceous tree ({Colibrina
reclinata}) of Southern Florida and the West Indies,
having a hard and heavy heartwood, which takes a fine
polish. --C. S. Sargent.
Syn: Nude; bare; denuded; uncovered; unclothed; exposed;
unarmed; plain; defenseless.
Nakedly \Na"ked*ly\, adv.
In a naked manner; without covering or disguise; manifestly;
simply; barely.
Nakedness \Na"ked*ness\, n.
1. The condition of being naked.
2. (Script.) The privy parts; the genitals.
Ham . . . saw the nakedness of his father. --Gen.
ix. 22.
Naker \Na"ker\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
Same as {Nacre}.
Naker \Na"ker\, n. [OE. nakere, F. nakaire, LL. nacara, Per.
naq[=a]ret.]
A kind of kettledrum. [Obs.] -- Chaucer.
Nakoo \Na"koo\, n. [From the native name.] (Zo["o]l.)
The gavial. [Written also {nako}.]
Nale \Nale\, n. [A corrupt form arising from the older ``at
[thorn]en ale'' at the nale.]
Ale; also, an alehouse. [Obs.]
Great feasts at the nale. --Chaucer.
Nall \Nall\, n. [Either fr. Icel. n[=a]l (see {Needle}); or fr.
awl, like newt fr. ewt.]
An awl. [Obs. or Prov. Eng.] --Tusser.
Nam \Nam\ [Contr. fr. ne am.]
Am not. [Obs.]
Nam \Nam\, obs.
imp. of {Nim}. --Chaucer.
Namable \Nam"a*ble\, a.
Capable of being named.
Namation \Na*ma"tion\, n. [LL. namare to take; cf. AS. niman to
take.] (O. Eng. & Scots Law)
A distraining or levying of a distress; an impounding.
--Burrill.
Namaycush \Nam"ay*cush\, n. [Indian name.] (Zool.)
A large North American lake trout ({Salvelinus namaycush}).
It is usually spotted with red, and sometimes weighs over
forty pounds. Called also {Mackinaw trout}, {lake trout},
{lake salmon}, {salmon trout}, {togue}, and {tuladi}.
Namby-pamby \Nam"by-pam`by\, n. [From Ambrose Phillips, in
ridicule of the extreme simplicity of some of his verses.]
Talk or writing which is weakly sentimental or affectedly
pretty. --Macaulay.
Namby-pamby \Nam"by-pam`by\, a.
Affectedly pretty; weakly sentimental; finical; insipid.
--Thackeray.
Namby-pamby madrigals of love. --W. Gifford.
Name \Name\, n. [AS. nama; akin to D. naam, OS. & OHG. namo, G.
name, Icel. nafn, for namn, Dan. navn, Sw. namn, Goth.
nam[=o], L. nomen (perh. influenced by noscere, gnoscere, to
learn to know), Gr. 'o`mona, Scr. n[=a]man. [root]267. Cf.
{Anonymous}, {Ignominy}, {Misnomer}, {Nominal}, {Noun}.]
1. The title by which any person or thing is known or
designated; a distinctive specific appellation, whether of
an individual or a class.
Whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that
was the name thereof. --Gen. ii. 19.
What's in a name? That which we call a rose By any
other name would smell as sweet. --Shak.
2. A descriptive or qualifying appellation given to a person
or thing, on account of a character or acts.
His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The
mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of
Peace. --Is. ix. 6.
3. Reputed character; reputation, good or bad; estimation;
fame; especially, illustrious character or fame; honorable
estimation; distinction.
What men of name resort to him? --Shak.
Far above . . . every name that is named, not only
in this world, but also in that which is to come.
--Eph. i. 21.
I will get me a name and honor in the kingdom. --1
Macc. iii. 14.
He hath brought up an evil name upon a virgin.
--Deut. xxii.
19.
The king's army . . . had left no good name behind.
--Clarendon.
4. Those of a certain name; a race; a family.
The ministers of the republic, mortal enemies of his
name, came every day to pay their feigned
civilities. --Motley.
5. A person, an individual. [Poetic]
They list with women each degenerate name. --Dryden.
{Christian name}.
(a) The name a person receives at baptism, as
distinguished from {surname}; baptismal name.
(b) A given name, whether received at baptism or not.
{Given name}. See under {Given}.
{In name}, in profession, or by title only; not in reality;
as, a friend in name.
{In the name of}.
(a) In behalf of; by the authority of. `` I charge you in
the duke's name to obey me.'' --Shak.
(b) In the represented or assumed character of. ``I'll to
him again in name of Brook.'' --Shak.
{Name plate}, a plate as of metal, glass, etc., having a name
upon it, as a sign; a doorplate.
{Pen name}, a name assumed by an author; a pseudonym or nom
de plume. --Bayard Taylor.
{Proper name} (Gram.), a name applied to a particular person,
place, or thing.
{To call names}, to apply opprobrious epithets to; to call by
reproachful appellations.
{To take a name in vain}, to use a name lightly or profanely;
to use a name in making flippant or dishonest oaths. --Ex.
xx. 7.
Syn: Appellation; title; designation; cognomen; denomination;
epithet.
Usage: {Name}, {Appellation}, {Title}, {Denomination}. Name
is generic, denoting that combination of sounds or
letters by which a person or thing is known and
distinguished. Appellation, although sometimes put for
name simply, denotes, more properly, a descriptive
term, used by way of marking some individual
peculiarity or characteristic; as, Charles the Bold,
Philip the Stammerer. A title is a term employed to
point out one's rank, office, etc.; as, the Duke of
Bedford, Paul the Apostle, etc. Denomination is to
particular bodies what appellation is to individuals;
thus, the church of Christ is divided into different
denominations, as Congregationalists, Episcopalians,
Presbyterians, etc.
Name \Name\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Named}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Naming}.] [AS. namian. See {Name}, n.]
1. To give a distinctive name or appellation to; to entitle;
to denominate; to style; to call.
She named the child Ichabod. --1 Sam. iv.
21.
Thus was the building left Ridiculous, and the work
Confusion named. --Milton.
2. To mention by name; to utter or publish the name of; to
refer to by distinctive title; to mention.
None named thee but to praise. --Halleck.
Old Yew, which graspest at the stones That name the
underlying dead. --Tennyson.
3. To designate by name or specifically for any purpose; to
nominate; to specify; to appoint; as, to name a day for
the wedding.
Whom late you have named for consul. --Shak.
4. (House of Commons) To designate (a member) by name, as the
Speaker does by way of reprimand.
Syn: To denominate; style; term; call; mention; specify;
designate; nominate.
Nameless \Name"less\, a.
1. Without a name; not having been given a name; as, a
nameless star. --Waller.
2. Undistinguished; not noted or famous.
A nameless dwelling and an unknown name. --Harte.
3. Not known or mentioned by name; anonymous; as, a nameless
writer.``Nameless pens.'' --Atterbury.
4. Unnamable; indescribable; inexpressible.
But what it is, that is not yet known; what I can
not name; ?t is nameless woe,I wot. --Shak.
I have a nameless horror of the man. --Hawthorne.
Namelessly \Name"less*ly\, adv.
In a nameless manner.
Namely \Name"ly\, adv.
1. By name; by particular mention; specifically; especially;
expressly. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
The solitariness of man . . . God hath namely and
principally ordered to prevent by marriage.
--Milton.
2. That is to say; to wit; videlicet; -- introducing a
particular or specific designation.
For the excellency of the soul, namely, its power of
divining dreams; that several such divinations have
been made, none ?an question. --Addison.
Namer \Nam"er\, n.
One who names, or calls by name.
Namesake \Name"sake`\, n. [For name's sake; i. e., one named for
the sake of another's name.]
One that has the same name as another; especially, one called
after, or named out of regard to, another.
Namo \Na*mo"\, adv.
No more. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Nan \Nan\, inerj. [For anan.]
Anan. [Prov. Eng.]
Nandine \Nan"dine\, n. [Native name.] (Zo["o]l.)
An African carnivore ({Nandinia binotata}), allied to the
civets. It is spotted with black.
Nandou \Nan"dou\, Nandu \Nan"du\, n. [Braz. nhandu or yandu.]
(Zo["o]l.)
Any one of three species of South American ostriches of the
genera {Rhea} and {Pterocnemia}. See {Rhea}. [Written also
{nandow}.]
Nankeen \Nan*keen"\, n. [So called from its being originally
manufactured at Nankin, in China.] [Written also {nankin}.]
1. A species of cloth, of a firm texture, originally brought
from China, made of a species of cotton ({Gossypium
religiosum}) that is naturally of a brownish yellow color
quite indestructible and permanent.
2. An imitation of this cloth by artificial coloring.
3. pl. Trousers made of nankeen. --Ld. Lytton.
{Nankeen bird} (Zo["o]l.), the Australian night heron
({Nycticorax Caledonicus}); -- called also {quaker}.
Nanny \Nan"ny\, n.
A diminutive of Ann or Anne, the proper name.
{Nanny goat}, a female goat. [Colloq.]
Nannyberry \Nan"ny*ber`ry\, n. (Bot.)
See {Sheepberry}.
Nanpie \Nan"pie\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
The magpie.
Naos \Na"os\, n. [NL., fr. Gr. ???? a temple, the cella.]
(Arch.)
A term used by modern arch[ae]ologists instead of cella. See
{Cella}.
Nap \Nap\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Napped}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Napping}.] [OE. nappen, AS. hn[ae]ppian to take a nap, to
slumber; cf. AS. hnipian to bend one's self, Icel. hnipna,
hn[=i]pa, to droop.]
1. To have a short sleep; to be drowsy; to doze. --Chaucer.
2. To be in a careless, secure state. --Wyclif.
I took thee napping, unprepared. --Hudibras.
Nap \Nap\, n.
A short sleep; a doze; a siesta. --Cowper.
Nap \Nap\, n. [OE. noppe, AS. hnoppa; akin to D. nop, Dan.
noppe, LG. nobbe.]
1. Woolly or villous surface of felt, cloth, plants, etc.; an
external covering of down, of short fine hairs or fibers
forming part of the substance of anything, and lying
smoothly in one direction; the pile; -- as, the nap of
cotton flannel or of broadcloth.
2. pl. The loops which are cut to make the pile, in velvet.
--Knight.
Nap \Nap\, v. t.
To raise, or put, a nap on.
Nape \Nape\, n. [Perh. akin to knap a knop.]
The back part of the neck. --Spenser.
Nape-crest \Nape"-crest`\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
An African bird of the genus {Schizorhis}, related to the
plantain eaters.
Napery \Na"per*y\, n.; pl. {Naperies}. [OF. naperie, fr. nape a
tablecloth, F. nappe, LL. napa, fr. L. mappa. See {Map}, and
cf. {Apron}, {Napkin}.]
Table linen; also, linen clothing, or linen in general.
[Obs.] --Gayton.
Napha water \Na"pha wa`ter\ [Sp. nafa, from Ar. napha odor.]
A perfume distilled from orange flowers.
Naphew \Na"phew\, n. (Bot.)
See {Navew}.
Naphtha \Naph"tha\, n. [L. naphtha, Gr. ?????, fr.Ar. nafth,
nifth.]
1. (Chem.) The complex mixture of volatile, liquid,
inflammable hydrocarbons, occurring naturally, and usually
called crude petroleum, mineral oil, or rock oil.
Specifically: That portion of the distillate obtained in
the refinement of petroleum which is intermediate between
the lighter gasoline and the heavier benzine, and has a
specific gravity of about 0.7, -- used as a solvent for
varnishes, as a carburetant, illuminant, etc.
2. (Chem.) One of several volatile inflammable liquids
obtained by the distillation of certain carbonaceous
materials and resembling the naphtha from petroleum; as,
Boghead naphtha, from Boghead coal (obtained at Boghead,
Scotland); crude naphtha, or light oil, from coal tar;
wood naphtha, from wood, etc.
Note: This term was applied by the earlier chemical writers
to a number of volatile, strong smelling, inflammable
liquids, chiefly belonging to the ethers, as the
sulphate, nitrate, or acetate of ethyl. --Watts.
{Naphtha vitrioli} [NL., naphtha of vitriol] (Old Chem.),
common ethyl ether; -- formerly called {sulphuric ether}.
See {Ether}.
Naphthalate \Naph"tha*late\, n. (Chem.)
A salt of naphthalic acid; a phthalate. [Obs.]
Naphthalene \Naph"tha*lene\, n. (Chem.)
A white crystalline aromatic hydrocarbon, {C10H8}, analogous
to benzene, and obtained by the distillation of certain
bituminous materials, such as the heavy oil of coal tar. It
is the type and basis of a large number of derivatives among
organic compounds. Formerly called also {naphthaline}.
{Naphthalene red} (Chem.), a dyestuff obtained from certain
diazo derivatives of naphthylamine, and called also
{magdala red}.
{Naphthalene yellow} (Chem.), a yellow dyestuff obtained from
certain nitro derivatives of naphthol.
Naphthalenic \Naph`tha*len"ic\, a. (Chem.)
Pertaining to, or derived from, naphthalene; -- used
specifically to designate a yellow crystalline substance,
called naphthalenic acid and also hydroxy quinone, and
obtained from certain derivatives of naphthol.
Naphthalic \Naph*tha"lic\, a. (Chem.)
(a) Pertaining to, derived from, or related to, naphthalene;
-- used specifically to denote any one of a series of
acids derived from naphthalene, and called naphthalene
acids.
(b) Formerly, designating an acid probably identical with
phthalic acid.
Naphthalidine \Naph*thal"i*dine\, n. [Naphthalene + toluidine.]
(Chem.)
Same as {Naphthylamine}.
Naphthalin \Naph"tha*lin\, Naphthaline \Naph"tha*line\, n. [F.
naphthaline.] (Chem.)
See {Naphthalene}.
Naphthalize \Naph"tha*lize\, v. t. (Chem.)
To mingle, saturate, or impregnate, with naphtha.
Naphthazarin \Naph*thaz"a*rin\, n. [Naphthalene + alizarin.]
(Chem.)
A dyestuff, resembling alizarin, obtained from naphthoquinone
as a red crystalline substance with a bright green, metallic
luster; -- called also {naphthalizarin}.
Naphthene \Naph"thene\, n. (Chem.)
A peculiar hydrocarbon occuring as an ingredient of Caucasian
petroleum.
Naphthide \Naph"thide\, n. (Chem.)
A compound of naphthalene or its radical with a metallic
element; as, mercuric naphthide.
Naphthoic \Naph*tho"ic\, a. (Chem.)
Pertaining to, derived from, or related to, naphthalene; --
used specifically to designate any one of a series of
carboxyl derivatives, called naphthoic acids.
Naphthol \Naph"thol\, n. [Naphthalene + -ol.] (Chem.)
Any one of a series of hydroxyl derivatives of naphthalene,
analogous to phenol. In general they are crystalline
substances with a phenol (carbolic) odor.
{Naphthol blue}, {Naphthol orange}, {Naphthol yellow}
(Chem.), brilliant dyestuffs produced from certain complex
nitrogenous derivatives of naphthol or naphthoquinone.
Naphthoquinone \Naph`tho*qui"none\, n. [Naphthalene + quinone.]
(Chem.)
A yellow crystalline substance, {C10H6O2}, analogous to
quinone, obtained by oxidizing naphthalene with chromic acid.
Naphthyl \Naph"thyl\, n. [Naphthalene + -yl.] (Chem.)
A hydrocarbon radical regarded as the essential residue of
naphthalene.
Naphthylamine \Naph`thyl*am"ine\, n. (Chem.)
One of two basic amido derivatives of naphthalene,
{C10H7.NH2}, forming crystalline solids.
Napierian \Na*pie"ri*an\, Naperian \Na*pe"ri*an\,, a.
Of, pertaining to, or discovered by, Napier, or Naper.
{Naperian logarithms}. See under {Logarithms}.
Napier's bones \Na"pi*er's bones`\, Napier's rods \Na"pi*er's
rods`\
A set of rods, made of bone or other material, each divided
into nine spaces, and containing the numbers of a column of
the multiplication table; -- a contrivance of Baron Napier,
the inventor of logarithms, for facilitating the operations
of multiplication and division.
Napiform \Na"pi*form\, a. [L. napus turnip + -form: cf. F.
napiforme. Cf. {Navew}.] (Bot.)
Turnip-shaped; large and round in the upper part, and very
slender below.
Napkin \Nap"kin\, n. [Dim. of OF. nape a tablecloth, cloth, F.
nappe, L. mappa. See {Napery}.]
1. A little towel, or small cloth, esp. one for wiping the
fingers and mouth at table.
2. A handkerchief. [Obs.] --Shak.
{Napkin pattern}. See {Linen scroll}, under {Linen}. --
{Napkin ring}, a ring of metal, ivory, or other material,
used to inclose a table napkin.
Napless \Nap"less\, a.
Without nap; threadbare. --Shak.
Naples yellow \Na"ples yel"low\
See under {Yellow}.
Napoleon \Na*po"le*on\, n. [From the Emperor Napoleon 1.]
A French gold coin of twenty francs, or about $3.86.
Napoleonic \Na*po`le*on"ic\, a.
Of or pertaining to Napoleon I., or his family; resembling,
or having the qualities of, Napoleon I. --Lowell.
Napoleonist \Na*po"le*on*ist\, n.
A supporter of the dynasty of the Napoleons.
Nappe \Nappe\, n. [F. nappe cloth, sheet. See {Napery}.] (Geom.)
Sheet; surface; all that portion of a surface that is
continuous in such a way that it is possible to pass from any
one point of the portion to any other point of the portion
without leaving the surface. Thus, some hyperboloids have one
nappe, and some have two.
Nappiness \Nap"pi*ness\, n. [From 2d {Nappy}.]
The quality of having a nap; abundance of nap, as on cloth.
Napping \Nap"ping\, n.
1. The act or process of raising a nap, as on cloth.
2. (Hat Making) A sheet of partially felted fur before it is
united to the hat body. --Knight.
Nappy \Nap"py\, a. [From 1st {Nap}.]
1. Inclined to sleep; sleepy; as, to feel nappy.
2. Tending to cause sleepiness; serving to make sleepy;
strong; heady; as, nappy ale. [Obs.] --Wyatt.
Nappy \Nap"py\, a. [From 3d {Nap}.]
Having a nap or pile; downy; shaggy. --Holland.
Nappy \Nap"py\, n.; pl. {Nappies}. [OE. nap, AS. hn[ae]p cup,
bowl. See {Hanaper}.]
A round earthen dish, with a flat bottom and sloping sides.
[Written also {nappie}.]
Nap-taking \Nap"-tak`ing\, n.
A taking by surprise; an unexpected onset or attack. --Carew.
Napu \Na*pu"\, n. [Native name.] (Zo["o]l.)
A very small chevrotain ({Tragulus Javanicus}), native of
Java. It is about the size of a hare, and is noted for its
agility in leaping. Called also {Java musk deer}, {pygmy musk
deer}, and {deerlet}.
Napus \Na"pus\, n. [L.] (Bot.)
A kind of turnip. See {Navew}.
Narceine \Nar"ce*ine\, n. [L. narce numbness, torpor, Gr. ?????:
cf. F. narc['e]["i]ne.] (Chem.)
An alkaloid found in small quantities in opium, and extracted
as a white crystalline substance of a bitter astringent
taste. It is a narcotic. Called also {narceia}.
Narcissine \Nar*cis"sine\, a.
Of or pertaining to Narcissus.
Narcissus \Nar*cis"sus\, n.; pl. {Narcissuses}. [L. narcissus,
and (personified) Narcissus, Gr. na`rkissos, Na`rkissos, fr.
na`rkh torpor, in allusion to the narcotic properties of the
flower. Cf. {Narcotic}.]
1. (Bot.) A genus of endogenous bulbous plants with handsome
flowers, having a cup-shaped crown within the six-lobed
perianth, and comprising the daffodils and jonquils of
several kinds.
2. (Classical Myth.) A beautiful youth fabled to have been
enamored of his own image as seen in a fountain, and to
have been changed into the flower called Narcissus.
Narcosis \Nar*co"sis\, n. [NL., fr. Gr. na`rkwsis. See
{Narcotic}.] (Med.)
Privation of sense or consciousness, due to a narcotic.
Narcotic \Nar*cot"ic\, a. [F. narcotique, Gr. ??????????, fr.
??????? to benumb, na`rkh numbness, torpor.] (Med.)
Having the properties of a narcotic; operating as a narcotic.
-- {Nar*cot"ic*ness}, n.
Narcotic \Nar*cot"ic\, n. (Med.)
A drug which, in medicinal doses, generally allays morbid
susceptibility, relieves pain, and produces sleep; but which,
in poisonous doses, produces stupor, coma, or convulsions,
and, when given in sufficient quantity, causes death. The
best examples are opium (with morphine), belladonna (with
atropine), and conium.
Nercotykes and opye (opium) of Thebes. --Chaucer.
Narcotical \Nar*cot"ic*al\, a.
Narcotic. -- {Nar*cot"ic*al*ly}, adv.
Narcotine \Nar"co*tine\, n. [Cf. F. narcotine. Cf. {Cotarnine}.]
(Chem.)
An alkaloid found in opium, and extracted as a white
crystalline substance, tasteless and less poisonous than
morphine; -- called also {narcotia}.
Narcotinic \Nar`co*tin"ic\, a.
Pertaining to narcotine.
Narcotism \Nar"co*tism\, n. [Cf. F. narcotisme.]
Narcosis; the state of being narcotized. --G. Eliot.
Narcotize \Nar"co*tize\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Narcotized}; p.
pr. & vb. n. {Narcotizing}.]
To imbue with, or subject to the influence of, a narcotic; to
put into a state of narcosis.
Nard \Nard\, n. [AS., fr. L. nardus, Gr. ??????; cf. Heb.
n[^e]rd, Per. nard, Scr. nalada.]
1. (Bot.) An East Indian plant ({Nardostachys Jatamansi}) of
the Valerian family, used from remote ages in Oriental
perfumery.
2. An ointment prepared partly from this plant. See
{Spikenard}.
3. (Bot.) A kind of grass ({Nardus stricta}) of little value,
found in Europe and Asia.
Nardine \Nard"ine\, a. [L. nardinus, Gr. ????????.]
Of or pertaining to nard; having the qualities of nard.
Nardoo \Nar*doo"\, n. (Bot.)
An Australian name for {Marsilea Drummondii}, a four-leaved
cryptogamous plant, sometimes used for food.
Nare \Nare\, n. [L. naris.]
A nostril. [R.] --B. Jonson.
Nares \Na"res\, n. pl. [L., pl. of naris nostril.] (Anat.)
The nostrils or nasal openings, -- the anterior nares being
the external or proper nostrils, and the posterior nares, the
openings of the nasal cavities into the mouth or pharynx.
Nargile \Nar"gile\, Nargileh \Nar"gi*leh\, n. [Per.
n[=a]rgh[=i]l, prop., a cocoanut; prob. so called because
first made of a cocoanut.]
An apparatus for smoking tobacco. It has a long flexible
tube, and the smoke is drawn through water.
Narica \Nar"i*ca\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
The brown coati. See {Coati}.
Nariform \Nar"i*form\, a. [L. naris nostril + -form. See
{Nose}.]
Formed like the nose.
Narine \Nar"ine\, a.
Of or belonging to the nostrils.
Narrable \Nar"ra*ble\, a. [L. narrabilis, fr. narrare to
narrate.]
Capable of being narrated or told. [Obs.]
Narragansetts \Nar`ra*gan"setts\, n. pl.; sing. {Narragansett}.
(Ethnol.)
A tribe of Indians who formerly inhabited the shores of
Narragansett Bay.
Narrate \Nar*rate"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Narrated}; p. pr. &
vb. n. {Narrating}.] [L. narratus, p. p. of narrare to
narrate, prob. for gnarigare, fr. gnarus knowing. See
{Ignore}, {Know}.]
To tell, rehearse, or recite, as a story; to relate the
particulars of; to go through with in detail, as an incident
or transaction; to give an account of.
Syn: To relate; recount; detail; describe.
Narration \Nar*ra"tion\, n. [L. narratio: cf. F. narration.]
1. The act of telling or relating the particulars of an
event; rehearsal; recital.
2. That which is related; the relation in words or writing of
the particulars of any transaction or event, or of any
series of transactions or events; story; history.
3. (Rhet.) That part of a discourse which recites the time,
manner, or consequences of an action, or simply states the
facts connected with the subject.
Syn: Account; recital; rehearsal; relation; description;
explanation; detail; narrative; story; tale; history.
See {Account}.
Narrative \Nar"ra*tive\, a. [Cf. F. narratif.]
1. Of or pertaining to narration; relating to the particulars
of an event or transaction.
2. Apt or inclined to relate stories, or to tell particulars
of events; story-telling; garrulous.
But wise through time, and narrative with age.
--Pope.
Narrative \Nar"ra*tive\, n.
That which is narrated; the recital of a story; a continuous
account of the particulars of an event or transaction; a
story.
Cyntio was much taken with my narrative. --Tatler.
Syn: Account; recital; rehearsal; relation; narration; story;
tale. See {Account}.
Narratively \Nar"ra*tive*ly\, adv.
In the style of narration.
Narrator \Nar*ra"tor\, n. [L.]
One who narrates; one who relates a series of events or
transactions.
Narratory \Nar"ra*to*ry\, a.
Giving an account of events; narrative; as, narratory
letters. --Howell.
Narre \Narre\, a.
Nearer. [Obs.] --Spenser.
Narrow \Nar"row\, a. [Compar. {Narrower}; superl. {Narrowest}.]
[OE. narwe, naru, AS. nearu; akin to OS. naru, naro.]
1. Of little breadth; not wide or broad; having little
distance from side to side; as, a narrow board; a narrow
street; a narrow hem.
Hath passed in safety through the narrow seas.
--Shak.
2. Of little extent; very limited; circumscribed.
The Jews were but a small nation, and confined to a
narrow compass in the world. --Bp. Wilkins.
3. Having but a little margin; having barely sufficient
space, time, or number, etc.; close; near; -- with special
reference to some peril or misfortune; as, a narrow shot;
a narrow escape; a narrow majority. --Dryden.
4. Limited as to means; straitened; pinching; as, narrow
circumstances.
5. Contracted; of limited scope; illiberal; bigoted; as, a
narrow mind; narrow views. ``A narrow understanding.''
--Macaulay.
6. Parsimonious; niggardly; covetous; selfish.
A very narrow and stinted charity. --Smalridge.
7. Scrutinizing in detail; close; accurate; exact.
But first with narrow search I must walk round This
garden, and no corner leave unspied. --Milton.
8. (Phon.) Formed (as a vowel) by a close position of some
part of the tongue in relation to the palate; or
(according to Bell) by a tense condition of the pharynx;
-- distinguished from wide; as [=e] ([=e]ve) and [=oo]
(f[=oo]d), etc., from [i^] ([i^]ll) and [oo^] (f[oo^]t),
etc. See Guide to Pronunciation, [sect] 13.
Note: Narrow is not unfrequently prefixed to words,
especially to participles and adjectives, forming
compounds of obvious signification; as,
narrow-bordered, narrow-brimmed, narrow-breasted,
narrow-edged, narrow-faced, narrow-headed,
narrow-leaved, narrow-pointed, narrow-souled,
narrow-sphered, etc.
{Narrow gauge}. (Railroad) See Note under {Gauge}, n., 6.
Narrow \Nar"row\, n.; pl. {Narrows}.
A narrow passage; esp., a contracted part of a stream, lake,
or sea; a strait connecting two bodies of water; -- usually
in the plural; as, The Narrows of New York harbor.
Near the island lay on one side the jaws of a dangerous
narrow. --Gladstone.
Narrow \Nar"row\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Narrowed}; p. pr. & vb.
n. {Narrowing}.] [AS. nearwian.]
1. To lessen the breadth of; to contract; to draw into a
smaller compass; to reduce the width or extent of. --Sir
W. Temple.
2. To contract the reach or sphere of; to make less liberal
or more selfish; to limit; to confine; to restrict; as, to
narrow one's views or knowledge; to narrow a question in
discussion.
Our knowledge is much more narrowed if we confine
ourselves to our own solitary reasonings. --I.
Watts.
3. (Knitting) To contract the size of, as a stocking, by
taking two stitches into one.
Narrow \Nar"row\, v. i.
1. To become less broad; to contract; to become narrower; as,
the sea narrows into a strait.
2. (Man.) Not to step out enough to the one hand or the
other; as, a horse narrows. --Farrier's Dict.
3. (Knitting) To contract the size of a stocking or other
knit article, by taking two stitches into one.
Narrower \Nar"row*er\, n.
One who, or that which, narrows or contracts. --Hannah More.
Narrowing \Nar"row*ing\, n.
1. The act of contracting, or of making or becoming less in
breadth or extent.
2. The part of a stocking which is narrowed.
Narrowly \Nar"row*ly\, adv. [AS. nearulice.]
1. With little breadth; in a narrow manner.
2. Without much extent; contractedly.
3. With minute scrutiny; closely; as, to look or watch
narrowly; to search narrowly.
4. With a little margin or space; by a small distance; hence,
closely; hardly; barely; only just; -- often with
reference to an avoided danger or misfortune; as, he
narrowly escaped.
5. Sparingly; parsimoniously.
Narrow-minded \Nar"row-mind`ed\, a.
Of narrow mental scope; illiberal; mean. --
{Nar"row-mind`ed*ness}, n.
Narrowness \Nar"row*ness\, n. [AS. nearunes.]
The condition or quality of being narrow.
Nart \Nart\ [For ne art.]
Art not. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Narthex \Nar"thex\, n. [L., giant fennel, Gr. ?.]
1. (Bot.) A tall umbelliferous plant ({Ferula communis}). See
{Giant fennel}, under {Fennel}.
2. (Arch.) The portico in front of ancient churches;
sometimes, the atrium or outer court surrounded by
ambulatories; -- used, generally, for any vestibule,
lobby, or outer porch, leading to the nave of a church.
Narwal \Nar"wal\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
See {Narwhal}.
Narwe \Nar"we\, a.
Narrow. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Narwhal \Nar"whal\, n. [Sw. or Dan. narvhal; akin to Icel.
n[=a]hvalr, and E. whale. the first syllable is perh. from
Icel. n[=a]r corpse, dead body, in allusion to the whitish
color its skin. See {Whale}.] [Written also {narwhale}.]
(Zo["o]l.)
An arctic cetacean ({Monodon monocerous}), about twenty feet
long. The male usually has one long, twisted, pointed canine
tooth, or tusk projecting forward from the upper jaw like a
horn, whence it is called also {sea unicorn}, {unicorn fish},
and {unicorn whale}. Sometimes two horns are developed, side
by side.
Nas \Nas\ (n[aum]z). [For ne was.]
Was not. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Nas \Nas\ [Contr. fr. ne has.]
Has not. [Obs.] --Spenser.
Nasal \Na"sal\ (n[=a]"zal), a. [F., from L. nasus the nose. See
{Nose}.]
1. (Anat.) Of or pertaining to the nose.
2. (Phon.) Having a quality imparted by means of the nose;
and specifically, made by lowering the soft palate, in
some cases with closure of the oral passage, the voice
thus issuing (wholly or partially) through the nose, as in
the consonants m, n, ng (see Guide to Pronunciation,
[sect][sect] 20, 208); characterized by resonance in the
nasal passage; as, a nasal vowel; a nasal utterance.
{Nasal bones} (Anat.), two bones of the skull, in front of
the frontals.
{Nasal index} (Anat.), in the skull, the ratio of the
transverse the base of the aperture to the nasion, which
latter distance is taken as the standard, equal to 100.
Nasal \Na"sal\, n.
1. An elementary sound which is uttered through the nose, or
through both the nose and the mouth simultaneously.
2. (Med.) A medicine that operates through the nose; an
errhine. [Archaic]
3. (Anc. Armor) Part of a helmet projecting to protect the
nose; a nose guard.
4. (Anat.) One of the nasal bones.
5. (Zo["o]l.) A plate, or scale, on the nose of a fish, etc.
Nasality \Na*sal"i*ty\, n. [Cf. F. nasalit['e].]
The quality or state of being nasal.
Nasalization \Na`sal*i*za"tion\, n.
The act of nasalizing, or the state of being nasalized.
Nasalize \Na"sal*ize\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Nasalized}; p. pr. &
vb. n. {Nasalizing}.]
To render nasal, as sound; to insert a nasal or sound in.
Nasalize \Na"sal*ize\, v. t.
To utter words or letters with a nasal sound; to speak
through the nose.
Nasally \Na"sal*ly\, adv.
In a nasal manner; by the nose.
Nascal \Nas"cal\, n. [F. nascale.] (Med.)
A kind of pessary of medicated wool or cotton, formerly used.
Nascency \Nas"cen*cy\, n. [L. nascentia. See {Nascent}.]
State of being nascent; birth; beginning; origin.
Nascent \Nas"cent\, a. [L. nascens, -entis, p. pr. nasci to be
born. See {Nation}, and cf. {Naissant}.]
1. Commencing, or in process of development; beginning to
exist or to grow; coming into being; as, a nascent germ.
Nascent passions and anxieties. --Berkley.
2. (Chem.) Evolving; being evolved or produced.
{Nascent state} (Chem.), the supposed instantaneous or
momentary state of an uncombined atom or radical just
separated from one compound acid, and not yet united with
another, -- a hypothetical condition implying peculiarly
active chemical properties; as, hydrogen in the nascent
state is a strong reducer.
Naseberry \Nase"ber`ry\, n. [Sp. nispero medlar and naseberry
tree, fr. L. mespilus. See {Medlar}.] (Bot.)
A tropical fruit. See {Sapodilla}. [Written also {nisberry}.]
Nash \Nash\, a. [Etymol. uncertain.]
Firm; stiff; hard; also, chilly. [Prov. Eng.] --Halliwell.
Nasicornous \Nas`i*cor"nous\, a. [L. nasus nose + cornu horn:
cf. F. nasicorne.] (Zo["o]l.)
Bearing a horn, or horns, on the nose, as the rhinoceros.
Nasiform \Nas"i*form\, a. [L. nasus nose + -form. See {Nose},
and cf. {Nariform}.]
Having the shape of a nose.
Nasion \Na*si*on\, n. [Nl., fr. L. nasus nose.] (Anat.)
The middle point of the nasofrontal suture.
Naso- \Na"so-\ [L. nasus nose.] (Anat.)
A combining form denoting pertaining to, or connected with,
the nose; as, nasofrontal.
Nasobuccal \Na"so*buc"cal\, a. [Naso + buccal.] (Anat.)
Connected with both the nose and the mouth; as, the
nasobuccal groove in the skate.
Nasofrontal \Na`so*fron"tal\, a. [Naso- + frontal.] (Anat.)
Of or pertaining to the nose and the front of the head; as,
the embryonic nasofrontal process which forms the anterior
boundary of the mouth.
Nasolachrymal \Na`so*lach"ry*mal\, a. [Naso- + lachrymal.]
(Anat.)
Connected with the lachrymal apparatus and the nose; as, the
nasolachrymal, or lachrymal duct.
Nasopalatal \Na`so*pal"a*tal\, Nasopalatine \Na`so*pal"a*tine\,
a. [Naso- + palatal.] (Anat.)
Connected with both the nose and the palate; as, the
nasopalatine or incisor, canal connecting the mouth and the
nasal chamber in some animals; the nasopalatine nerve.
Nasopharyngeal \Na`so*phar`yn*ge"al\ (? or ?), a. [Naso- +
pharyngeal.] (Anat.)
Of or pertaining to both throat and nose; as, a
nasopharyngeal polypus.
Nasoseptal \Na`so*sep"tal\, a. [Naso- + septal.] (Anat.)
Of or pertaining to the internasal septum.
Nasoturbinal \Na`so*tur"bi*nal\, a. [Naso- + turbinal.] (Anat.)
Connected with, or near, both the turbinal and the nasal
bones; as, the nasalturbinal bone, made up of the uppermost
lammel[ae] of the ethmoturbinal, and sometimes united with
the nasal. -- n. The nasoturbinal bone.
Nassa \Nas"sa\, n.; pl. E. {Nassas}, L. {Nass[AE]}. [From L.
nassa a kind of basket, in allusion to the reticulation of
some species.] (Zo["o]l.)
Any species of marine gastropods, of the genera {Nassa},
{Tritia}, and other allied genera of the family {Nassid[ae]};
a dog whelk. See Illust. under {Gastropoda}. -- {nas"soid},
a.
Nastily \Nas"ti*ly\, adv.
In a nasty manner.
Nastiness \Nas"ti*ness\, n.
The quality or state of being nasty; extreme filthness;
dirtiness; also, indecency; obscenity.
The nastiness of Plautus and Aristophanes. --Dryden.
Nasturtion \Nas*tur"tion\, n. [See {Nasturtium}.] (Bot.)
Same as {Nasturtium}.
Nasturtium \Nas*tur"tium\, n. [L. nasturtium, for nasitortium,
fr. nasus nose + torquere, tortum, to twist, torture, in
allusion to the causing one to make a wry face by its pungent
taste. See {Nose} of the face, and {Torture}.]
1. (Bot.) A genus of cruciferous plants, having white or
yellowish flowers, including several species of cress.
They are found chiefly in wet or damp grounds, and have a
pungent biting taste.
2. (Bot.) Any plant of the genus {Trop[ae]olum}, geraniaceous
herbs, having mostly climbing stems, peltate leaves, and
spurred flowers, and including the common Indian cress
({Trop[ae]olum majus}), the canary-bird flower ({T.
peregrinum}), and about thirty more species, all natives
of South America. The whole plant has a warm pungent
flavor, and the fleshy fruits are used as a substitute for
capers, while the leaves and flowers are sometimes used in
salads.
Nasty \Nas"ty\, a. [Compar. {Nastier}; superl. {Nastiest}.] [For
older nasky; cf. dial. Sw. naskug, nasket.]
1. Offensively filthy; very dirty, foul, or defiled;
disgusting; nauseous.
2. Hence, loosely: Offensive; disagreeable; unpropitious;
wet; drizzling; as, a nasty rain, day, sky.
3. Characterized by obcenity; indecent; indelicate; gross;
filthy.
Syn: {Nasty}, {Filthy}, {Foul}, {Dirty}.
Usage: Anything nasty is usually wet or damp as well as
filthy or dirty, and disgusts by its stickness or
odor; but filthy and foul imply that a thing is filled
or covered with offensive matter, while dirty
describes it as defiled or sullied with dirt of any
kind; as, filthy clothing, foul vapors, etc.
Nasute \Na"sute\, a. [L. nasutus, fr. nasus the nose.]
1. Having a nice sense of smell. [Obs.] --Evelyn.
2. Critically nice; captious. [Obs.] --auden.
Nasutness \Na"sut*ness\, n.
Quickness of scent; hence, nice discernment; acuteness.
[Obs.] --Dr. H. More.
Nat \Nat\, adv.
Not. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Nat \Nat\ [For ne at.]
Not at; nor at. [Obs.] --haucer.
Natal \Na"tal\, a. [L. natalis, fr. natus, p. p. of nasci to be
born: cf. F. natal. See {Nation}, and cf. {Noel}.]
1. Of or pertaining to one's birth; accompying or dating from
one's birth; native.
Princes' children took names from their natal
places. --Camden.
Propitious star, whose sacred power Presided o'er
the monarch's natal hour. --Prior.
2. (Actrol.) Presiding over nativity; as, natal Jove.
Syn: Native, natural. See {Native}.
Natalitial \Na`ta*li"tial\, Natalitious \Na`ta*li"tious\, a. [L.
natalitius, from natalis. See {Natal}.]
Of or pertaining to one's birth or birthday, or one's
nativity. [Obs.] ``Natalitial poplar.'' --Evelyn.
``Natalitious fire.'' --W. Cartwright.
Nataloin \Na*tal"o*in\, n. [From Natal aloes.] (Chem.)
A bitter crystalline substance constituting the essential
principle of Natal aloes. Cf. {Aloon}.
Natal plum \Na*tal" plum`\ (Bot.)
The drupaceous fruit of two South African shrubs of the genus
{Arduina} ({A. bispinosa} and {A. grandiflora}).
Natals \Na"tals\, n. pl.
One's birth, or the circumstances attending it. [Obs.]
--Fitz-Geffry.
Natant \Na"tant\, a. [L. natans, -antis, from swim, v. intens.
fr. nare to swim: cf. F. natant.]
1. (Bot.) Floating in water, as the leaves of water lilies,
or submersed, as those of many aquatic plants.
2. (Her.) Placed horizontally across the field, as if
swimmimg toward the dexter side; said of all sorts of
fishes except the flying fish.
Natantly \Na"tant*ly\, adv.
In a floating manner; swimmingly.
Natation \Na*ta"tion\, n. [L. natatio, fr. natare to swim: cf.
F. natation. See {Natant}.]
The act of floating on the water; swimming. --Sir T. Browne.
Natatores \Na`ta*to"res\, n. pl. [L. natator a swimmer.]
(Zo["o]l.)
The swimming birds.
Note: They were formerly united into one order, which is now
considered an artifical group.
Natatorial \Na`ta*to"rial\, a.
Inclined or adapted to swim; swimming; as, natatorial birds.
Natatorious \Na`ta*to"ri*ous\, a. (Zo["o]l.)
Adapted for swimming; -- said of the legs of certain insects.
Natatorium \Na`ta*to"rium\, n. [L.]
A swimming bath.
Natatory \Na"ta*to*ry\, a. [L. natatorius.]
Adapted for swimming or floating; as, natatory organs.
Natch \Natch\, n. [OF. nache fesse, LL. natica, from L. natis
the rump, buttocks. Cf. {Aitchbone}.]
The rump of beef; esp., the lower and back part of the rump.
{Natch bone}, the edgebone, or aitchbone, in beef.
Natchez \Natch"ez\, n. pl. (Ethnol.)
A tribe of Indians who formerly lived near the site of the
city of Natchez, Mississippi. In 1729 they were subdued by
the French; the survivors joined the Creek Confederacy.
Natchnee \Natch"nee\, n. (Bot.)
An annual grass ({Eleusine coracona}), cultivated in India as
a food plant.
Nates \Na"tes\, n. pl. [L., the buttocks.]
1. (Anat.)
(a) The buttocks.
(b) The two anterior of the four lobes on the dorsal side
of the midbrain of most mammals; the anterior optic
lobes.
2. (Zo["o]l.) The umbones of a bivalve shell.
Nath \Nath\ [Contr. fr. ne hath,]
hath not. [Obs.]
Nathless \Nath"less\, adv. [OE. natheles, na the les, not the
less, AS. n[=a] never. See {Na}, {The}, conj., and cf.
{Nevertheless}.]
Nevertheless. [Archaic] --Chaucer. Milton. E. Arnold.
Nathmore \Nath"more`\, adv. [OE. na the more.]
Not the more; never the more. [Obs.] --penser.
Natica \Nat"i*ca\, n.; pl. {Naticas}, L. {Natic[AE]} (-s[=e]).
(Zo["o]l.)
Any one of numerous species of marine gastropods belonging to
{Natica}, {Lunatia}, {Neverita}, and other allied genera
(family {Naticid[ae]}.) They burrow beneath the sand, or mud,
and drill other shells.
Naticoid \Nat"i*coid\, a. [Natica + -oid.] (Zo["o]l.)
Like or belonging to Natica, or the family {Naticid[ae]}.
Nation \Na"tion\, n. [F. nation, L. natio nation, race, orig., a
being born, fr. natus, p. p. of nasci, to be born, for
gnatus, gnasci, from the same root as E. kin. [root]44. See
{Kin} kindred, and cf. {Cognate}, {Natal}, {Native}.]
1. (Ethnol.) A part, or division, of the people of the earth,
distinguished from the rest by common descent, language,
or institutions; a race; a stock.
All nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues.
--Rev. vii. 9.
2. The body of inhabitants of a country, united under an
independent government of their own.
A nation is the unity of a people. --Coleridge.
Praise the power that hath made and preserved us a
nation. --F. S. Key.
3. Family; lineage. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
4.
(a) One of the divisions of university students in a
classification according to nativity, formerly common
in Europe.
(b) (Scotch Universities) One of the four divisions (named
from the parts of Scotland) in which students were
classified according to their nativity.
5. A great number; a great deal; -- by way of emphasis; as, a
nation of herbs. --Sterne.
{Five nations}. See under {Five}.
{Law of nations}. See {International law}, under
{International}, and {Law}.
Syn: people; race. See {People}.
National \Na"tion*al\ (?; 277), a. [Cf. F. national.]
1. Of or pertaining to a nation; common to a whole people or
race; public; general; as, a national government,
language, dress, custom, calamity, etc.
2. Attached to one's own country or nation.
{National anthem}, a popular song or hymn which has become by
general acceptance the recognized musical expression of
the patriotic sentiment of a nation; as, ``God save the
King'' is called the national anthem of England.
{National bank}, the official common name of a class of
banking corporations established under the laws of the
United States.
{National flag}. See under {Flag}.
{National guard}, a body of militia, or a local military
organization, as in Paris during the French Revolution, or
as certain bodies of militia in other European countries
and in the United States.
{National salute}, a salute consisting of as many guns as
there are States in the Union. [U.S.]
Nationalism \Na"tion*al*ism\, n.
1. The state of being national; national attachment;
nationality.
2. An idiom, trait, or character peculiar to any nation.
3. National independence; the principles of the Nationalists.
Nationalist \Na"tion*al*ist\, n.
One who advocates national unity and independence; one of a
party favoring Irish independence.
Nationality \Na`tion*al"i*ty\, n.; pl. {Nationalities}. [Cf. F.
nationalit['e].]
1. The quality of being national, or strongly attached to
one's own nation; patriotism.
2. The sum of the qualities which distinguish a nation;
national character.
3. A race or people, as determined by common language and
character, and not by political bias or divisions; a
nation.
the fulfillment of his mission is to be looked for
in the condition of nationalities and the character
of peoples. --H. W.
Beecher.
4. Existence as a distinct or individual nation; national
unity and integrity.
5. The state or quality of belonging to or being connected
with a nation or government by nativity, character,
ownership, allegiance, etc.
Nationalization \Na`tion*al*i*za"tion\, n.
The act of nationalizing, or the state of being nationalized.
Nationalize \Na"tion*al*ize\, v. t. [imp. & p. p.
{Nationalized}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Nationalizing}.] [Cf. F.
nationaliser.]
To make national; to make a nation of; to endow with the
character and habits of a nation, or the peculiar sentiments
and attachment of citizens of a nation.
Nationally \Na"tion*al*ly\, adv.
In a national manner or way; as a nation. ``The jews . . .
being nationally espoused to God by covenant.'' --South.
Nationalness \Na"tion*al*ness\, n.
The quality or state of being national; nationality.
--Johnson.
Native \Na"tive\, a. [F. natif, L. nativus, fr. nasci, p. p.
natus. See {Nation}, and cf. {Na["i]ve}, {Nelf} a serf.]
1. Arising by birth; having an origin; born. [Obs.]
Anaximander's opinion is, that the gods are native,
rising and vanishing again in long periods of times.
--Cudworth.
2. Of or pertaining to one's birth; natal; belonging to the
place or the circumstances in which one is born; --
opposed to {foreign}; as, native land, language, color,
etc.
3. Born in the region in which one lives; as, a native
inhabitant, race; grown or originating in the region where
used or sold; not foreign or imported; as, native oysters,
or strawberries.
4. Original; constituting the original substance of anything;
as, native dust. --Milton.
5. Conferred by birth; derived from origin; born with one;
inherent; inborn; not acquired; as, native genius,
cheerfulness, simplicity, rights, etc.
Courage is native to you. --Jowett
(Thucyd. ).
6. Naturally related; cognate; connected (with). [R.]
the head is not more native to the heart, . . . Than
is the throne of Denmark to thy father. --Shak.
7. (Min.)
(a) Found in nature uncombined with other elements; as,
native silver.
(b) Found in nature; not artificial; as native sodium
chloride.
{Native American party}. See under {American}, a.
{Native bear} (Zo["o]l.), the koala.
{Native bread} (Bot.), a large underground fungus, of
Australia ({Mylitta australis}), somewhat resembling a
truffle, but much larger.
{Native devil}. (Zo["o]l.) Same as {Tasmanian devil}, under
{Devil}.
{Native hen} (Zo["o]l.), an Australian rail ({Tribonyx
Mortierii}).
{Native pheasant}. (Zo["o]l.) See {Leipoa}.
{Native rabbit} (Zo["o]l.), an Australian marsupial
({Perameles lagotis}) resembling a rabbit in size and
form.
{Native sloth} (Zo["o]l.), the koala.
{Native thrush} (Zo["o]l.), an Australian singing bird
({Pachycephala olivacea}); -- called also {thickhead}.
{Native turkey} (Zo["o]l.), the Australian bustard
({Choriotis australis}); -- called also {bebilya}.
Syn: Natural; natal; original; congential.
Usage: {Native}, {Natural}, {Natal}. natural refers to the
nature of a thing, or that which springs therefrom;
native, to one's birth or origin; as, a native
country, language, etc.; natal, to the circumstances
of one's birth; as, a natal day, or star. Native
talent is that which is inborn; natural talent is that
which springs from the structure of the mind. Native
eloquence is the result of strong innate emotion;
natural eloquence is opposed to that which is studied
or artifical.
Native \Na"tive\, n.
1. One who, or that which, is born in a place or country
referred to; a denizen by birth; an animal, a fruit, or
vegetable, produced in a certain region; as, a native of
France.
2. (Stock Breeding) Any of the live stock found in a region,
as distinguished from such as belong to pure and distinct
imported breeds. [U.S.]
Natively \Na"tive*ly\, adv.
By natural or original condition; naturally; originally.
Nativeness \Na"tive*ness\, n.
The quality or state of being native.
Nativism \Na"tiv*ism\, n.
1. The disposition to favor the native inhabitants of a
country, in preference to immigrants from foreign
countries.
2. (Philos.) The doctrine of innate ideas, or that the mind
possesses forms of thought independent of sensation.
Nativist \Na"tiv*ist\, n.
An advocate of nativism.
Nativistic \Na`tiv*is"tic\, a.
Relating to nativism.
Nativity \Na*tiv"i*ty\, n.; pl. {Nativies}. [F. nativit['e], L.
nativitas. See {Native}, and cf. {Na["i]vet['E]}.]
1. The coming into life or into the world; birth; also, the
circumstances attending birth, as time, place, manner,
etc. --Chaucer.
I have served him from the hour of my nativity.
--Shak.
Thou hast left . . . the land of thy nativity.
--Ruth ii. 11.
These in their dark nativity the deep Shall yield
us, pregnant with infernal flame. --Milton.
2. (Fine Arts) A picture representing or symbolizing the
early infancy of Christ. The simplest form is the babe in
a rude cradle, and the heads of an ox and an ass to
express the stable in which he was born.
3. (Astrol.) A representation of the positions of the
heavenly bodies as the moment of one's birth, supposed to
indicate his future destinies; a horoscope.
{The Nativity}, the birth or birthday of Christ; Christmas
day.
{To}
{cast, or calculate},
{one's nativity} (Astrol.), to find out and represent the
position of the heavenly bodies at the time of one's
birth.
Natka \Nat"ka\, a. (Zo["o]l.)
A species of shrike.
Natrium \Na"tri*um\, n. [NL. See {Natron}.] (Chem.)
The technical name for sodium.
Natrolite \Na"tro*lite\ (?; 277), n. [Natron + -lite: cf. F.
natrolithe.] (Min.)
A zeolite occuring in groups of glassy acicular crystals, and
in masses which often have a radiated structure. It is a
hydrous silicate of alumina and soda.
Natron \Na"tron\, n. [F., fr. Sp. natron, Ar. natr[=u]n,
nitr[=u]n. Cf. {Niter}, {Anatron}.] (Min.)
Native sodium carbonate. [Written also {anatron}.]
Natter \Nat"ter\, v. i. [Cf. Icel. knetta to grumble.]
To find fault; to be peevish. [Prov. Eng. or Scot.]
Natterjack \Nat"ter*jack`\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
A European toad ({Bufo calamita}), having a yellow line along
its back.
Natty \Nat"ty\, a. [Cf. {Neat} clean.]
Neat; tidy; spruce. [Colloq.] -- {Nat"ti*ly}, adv. --
{Nat"ti*ness}, n.
Natural \Nat"u*ral\ (?; 135), a. [OE. naturel, F. naturel, fr.
L. naturalis, fr. natura. See {Nature}.]
1. Fixed or determined by nature; pertaining to the
constitution of a thing; belonging to native character;
according to nature; essential; characteristic; not
artifical, foreign, assumed, put on, or acquired; as, the
natural growth of animals or plants; the natural motion of
a gravitating body; natural strength or disposition; the
natural heat of the body; natural color.
With strong natural sense, and rare force of will.
--Macaulay.
2. Conformed to the order, laws, or actual facts, of nature;
consonant to the methods of nature; according to the
stated course of things, or in accordance with the laws
which govern events, feelings, etc.; not exceptional or
violent; legitimate; normal; regular; as, the natural
consequence of crime; a natural death.
What can be more natural than the circumstances in
the behavior of those women who had lost their
husbands on this fatal day? --Addison.
3. Having to do with existing system to things; dealing with,
or derived from, the creation, or the world of matter and
mind, as known by man; within the scope of human reason or
experience; not supernatural; as, a natural law; natural
science; history, theology.
I call that natural religion which men might know .
. . by the mere principles of reason, improved by
consideration and experience, without the help of
revelation. --Bp. Wilkins.
4. Conformed to truth or reality; as:
(a) Springing from true sentiment; not artifical or
exaggerated; -- said of action, delivery, etc.; as, a
natural gesture, tone, etc.
(b) Resembling the object imitated; true to nature;
according to the life; -- said of anything copied or
imitated; as, a portrait is natural.
5. Having the character or sentiments properly belonging to
one's position; not unnatural in feelings.
To leave his wife, to leave his babes, . . . He
wants the natural touch. --Shak.
6. Connected by the ties of consanguinity. ``Natural
friends.'' --J. H. Newman.
7. Begotten without the sanction of law; born out of wedlock;
illegitimate; bastard; as, a natural child.
8. Of or pertaining to the lower or animal nature, as
contrasted with the higher or moral powers, or that which
is spiritual; being in a state of nature; unregenerate.
The natural man receiveth not the things of the
Spirit of God. --1 Cor. ii.
14.
9. (Math.) Belonging to, to be taken in, or referred to, some
system, in which the base is 1; -- said or certain
functions or numbers; as, natural numbers, those
commencing at 1; natural sines, cosines, etc., those taken
in arcs whose radii are 1.
10. (Mus.)
(a) Produced by natural organs, as those of the human
throat, in distinction from instrumental music.
(b) Of or pertaining to a key which has neither a flat
nor a sharp for its signature, as the key of C major.
(c) Applied to an air or modulation of harmony which
moves by easy and smooth transitions, digressing but
little from the original key. --Moore (Encyc. of
Music).
{Natural day}, the space of twenty-four hours. --Chaucer.
{Natural fats}, {Natural gas}, etc. See under {Fat}, {Gas}.
etc.
{Natural Harmony} (Mus.), the harmony of the triad or common
chord.
{Natural history}, in its broadest sense, a history or
description of nature as a whole, incuding the sciences of
{botany}, {zo["o]logy}, {geology}, {mineralogy},
{paleontology}, {chemistry}, and {physics}. In recent
usage the term is often restricted to the sciences of
botany and zo["o]logy collectively, and sometimes to the
science of zoology alone.
{Natural law}, that instinctive sense of justice and of right
and wrong, which is native in mankind, as distinguished
from specifically revealed divine law, and formulated
human law.
{Natural modulation} (Mus.), transition from one key to its
relative keys.
{Natural order}. (Nat. Hist.) See under {order}.
{Natural person}. (Law) See under {person}, n.
{Natural philosophy}, originally, the study of nature in
general; in modern usage, that branch of physical science,
commonly called {physics}, which treats of the phenomena
and laws of matter and considers those effects only which
are unaccompanied by any change of a chemical nature; --
contrasted with mental and moral philosophy.
{Natural scale} (Mus.), a scale which is written without
flats or sharps. Model would be a preferable term, as less
likely to mislead, the so-called artificial scales (scales
represented by the use of flats and sharps) being equally
natural with the so-called natural scale
{Natural science}, natural history, in its broadest sense; --
used especially in contradistinction to mental or moral
science.
{Natural selection} (Biol.), a supposed operation of natural
laws analogous, in its operation and results, to designed
selection in breeding plants and animals, and resulting in
the survival of the fittest. The theory of natural
selection supposes that this has been brought about mainly
by gradual changes of environment which have led to
corresponding changes of structure, and that those forms
which have become so modified as to be best adapted to the
changed environment have tended to survive and leave
similarly adapted descendants, while those less perfectly
adapted have tended to die out though lack of fitness for
the environment, thus resulting in the survival of the
fittest. See {Darwinism}.
{Natural system} (Bot. & Zo["o]l.), a classification based
upon real affinities, as shown in the structure of all
parts of the organisms, and by their embryology.
It should be borne in mind that the natural system
of botany is natural only in the constitution of its
genera, tribes, orders, etc., and in its grand
divisions. --Gray.
{Natural theology}, or {Natural religion}, that part of
theological science which treats of those evidences of the
existence and attributes of the Supreme Being which are
exhibited in nature; -- distinguished from revealed
religion. See Quotation under {Natural}, a., 3.
{Natural vowel}, the vowel sound heard in urn, furl, sir,
her, etc.; -- so called as being uttered in the easiest
open position of the mouth organs. See {Neutral vowel},
under {Neutral} and Guide to Pronunciation, [sect] 17.
Syn: See {Native}.
Natural \Nat"u*ral\ (?; 135), n.
1. A native; an aboriginal. [Obs.] --Sir W. Raleigh.
2. pl. Natural gifts, impulses, etc. [Obs.] --Fuller.
3. One born without the usual powers of reason or
understanding; an idiot. ``The minds of naturals.''
--Locke.
4. (Mus.) A character [[natural]] used to contradict, or to
remove the effect of, a sharp or flat which has preceded
it, and to restore the unaltered note.
Naturalism \Nat"u*ral*ism\, n. [Cf. F. naturalisme.]
1. A state of nature; conformity to nature.
2. (Metaph.) The doctrine of those who deny a supernatural
agency in the miracles and revelations recorded in the
Bible, and in spiritual influences; also, any system of
philosophy which refers the phenomena of nature to a blind
force or forces acting necessarily or according to fixed
laws, excluding origination or direction by one
intelligent will.
Naturalist \Nat"u*ral*ist\, n. [Cf. F. naturaliste.]
1. One versed in natural science; a student of natural
history, esp. of the natural history of animals.
2. One who holds or maintains the doctrine of naturalism in
religion. --H. Bushnell.
Naturalistic \Nat`u*ral*is"tic\, a.
1. Belonging to the doctrines of naturalism.
2. Closely resembling nature; realistic. ``Naturalistic bit
of pantomime.'' --W. D. Howells.
Naturality \Nat`u*ral"i*ty\, n. [L. naturalitas: cf. F.
naturalit['e].]
Nature; naturalness. [R.]
Naturalization \Nat`u*ral*i*za"tion\, n. [Cf. F.
naturalisation.]
The act or process of naturalizing, esp. of investing an
alien with the rights and privileges of a native or citizen;
also, the state of being naturalized.
Naturalize \Nat"u*ral*ize\ (?; 135), v. t. [imp. & p. p.
{Naturalized}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Naturalizing}.] [Cf. F.
naturaliser. See {Natural}.]
1. To make natural; as, custom naturalizes labor or study.
2. To confer the rights and privileges of a native subject or
citizen on; to make as if native; to adopt, as a foreigner
into a nation or state, and place in the condition of a
native subject.
3. To receive or adopt as native, natural, or vernacular; to
make one's own; as, to naturalize foreign words.
4. To adapt; to accustom; to habituate; to acclimate; to
cause to grow as under natural conditions.
Its wearer suggested that pears and peaches might
yet be naturalized in the New England climate.
--Hawthorne.
Naturalize \Nat"u*ral*ize\, v. i.
1. To become as if native.
2. To explain phenomena by natural agencies or laws, to the
exclusion of the supernatural.
Infected by this naturalizing tendency. --H.
Bushnell.
Naturally \Nat"u*ral*ly\, adv.
In a natural manner or way; according to the usual course of
things; spontaneously.
Naturalness \Nat"u*ral*ness\, n.
The state or quality of being natural; conformity to nature.
Nature \Na"ture\ (?; 135), n. [F., fr. L. natura, fr. natus
born, produced, p. p. of nasci to be born. See {Nation}.]
1. The existing system of things; the world of matter, or of
matter and mind; the creation; the universe.
But looks through nature up to nature's God. --Pope.
Nature has caprices which art can not imitate.
--Macaulay.
2. The personified sum and order of causes and effects; the
powers which produce existing phenomena, whether in the
total or in detail; the agencies which carry on the
processes of creation or of being; -- often conceived of
as a single and separate entity, embodying the total of
all finite agencies and forces as disconnected from a
creating or ordering intelligence.
I oft admire How Nature, wise and frugal, could
commit Such disproportions. --Milton.
3. The established or regular course of things; usual order
of events; connection of cause and effect.
4. Conformity to that which is natural, as distinguished from
that which is artifical, or forced, or remote from actual
experience.
One touch of nature makes the whole world kin.
--Shak.
5. The sum of qualities and attributes which make a person or
thing what it is, as distinct from others; native
character; inherent or essential qualities or attributes;
peculiar constitution or quality of being.
Thou, therefore, whom thou only canst redeem, Their
nature also to thy nature join, And be thyself man
among men on earth. --Milton.
6. Hence: Kind, sort; character; quality.
A dispute of this nature caused mischief. --Dryden.
7. Physical constitution or existence; the vital powers; the
natural life. ``My days of nature.'' --Shak.
Oppressed nature sleeps. --Shak.
8. Natural affection or reverence.
Have we not seen The murdering son ascend his
parent's bed, Through violated nature foce his way?
--Pope.
9. Constitution or quality of mind or character.
A born devil, on whose nature Nurture can never
stick. --Shak.
That reverence which is due to a superior nature.
--Addison.
{Good nature}, {Ill nature}. see under {Good} and {Ill}.
{In a state of nature}.
(a) Naked as when born; nude.
(b) In a condition of sin; unregenerate.
(c) Untamed; uncvilized.
{Nature printng}, a process of printing from metallic or
other plates which have received an impression, as by
heavy pressure, of an object such as a leaf, lace, or the
like.
{Nature worship}, the worship of the personified powers of
nature.
{To pay the debt of nature}, to die.
Nature \Na"ture\, v. t.
To endow with natural qualities. [Obs.]
He [God] which natureth every kind. --Gower.
Natured \Na"tured\ (?; 135), a.
Having (such) a nature, temper, or disposition; disposed; --
used in composition; as, good-natured, ill-natured, etc.
Natureless \Na"ture*less\, a.
Not in accordance with nature; unnatural. [Obs.] --Milton.
Naturism \Na"tur*ism\, n. (Med.)
The belief or doctrine that attributes everything to nature
as a sanative agent.
Naturist \Na"tur*ist\, n.
One who believes in, or conforms to, the theory of naturism.
--Boyle.
Naturity \Na*tu"ri*ty\, n.
The quality or state of being produced by nature. [Obs.]
--Sir T. Browne.
Naturize \Na"tur*ize\, v. t.
To endow with a nature or qualities; to refer to nature.
[Obs.] --B. Jonson.
Naufrage \Nau"frage\ (?; 48), n. [F., fr. L. naufragium; navis +
frangere.]
Shipwreck; ruin. [Obs.] --acon.
Naufragous \Nau"fra*gous\, a. [L. naufragus. See {Naufrage}.]
causing shipwreck. [Obs.] --r. Taylor.
Naught \Naught\, n. [OE. naught, nought, naht, nawiht, AS.
n?wiht, n?uht, n?ht; ne not + ? ever + wiht thing, whit;
hence, not ever a whit. See {No}, adv. {Whit}, and cf.
{Aught}, {Not}.]
1. Nothing. [Written also {nought}.]
Doth Job fear God for naught? --Job i. 9.
2. The arithmetical character 0; a cipher. See {Cipher}.
{To set at naught}, to treat as of no account; to disregard;
to despise; to defy; to treat with ignominy. ``Ye have set
at naught all my counsel.'' --Prov. i. 25.
Naught \Naught\, adv.
In no degree; not at all. --Chaucer.
To wealth or sovereign power he naught applied.
--Fairfax.
Naught \Naught\, a.
1. Of no value or account; worthless; bad; useless.
It is naught, it is naught, saith the buyer. --Prov.
xx. 14.
Go, get you to your house; begone, away! All will be
naught else. --Shak.
Things naught and things indifferent. --Hooker.
2. Hence, vile; base; naughty. [Obs.]
No man can be stark naught at once. --Fuller.
Naughtily \Naugh"ti*ly\, adv.
In a naughty manner; wickedly; perversely. --Shak.
Naughtiness \Naugh"ti*ness\, n.
The quality or state of being naughty; perverseness; badness;
wickedness.
I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart.
--1 Sam. xvii.
28.
Naughtly \Naught"ly\, adv.
Naughtily; wrongly. [Obs.]
because my parents naughtly brought me up. --Mir. for
Mag.
Naughty \Naugh"ty\, a. [Compar. {Naughtier}; superl.
{Naughtiest}.]
1. Having little or nothing. [Obs.]
[Men] that needy be and naughty, help them with thy
goods. --Piers
Plowman.
2. Worthless; bad; good for nothing. [Obs.]
The other basket had very naughty figs. --Jer. xxiv.
2.
3. hence, corrupt; wicked. [Archaic]
So shines a good deed in a naughty world. --Shak.
4. Mischievous; perverse; froward; guilty of disobedient or
improper conduct; as, a naughty child.
Note: This word is now seldom used except in the latter
sense, as applied to children, or in sportive censure.
Naumachy \Nau"ma*chy\, n. [L. naumachia, Gr. ?; ? ship + ?
fight, battle, ? to fight.]
1. A naval battle; esp., a mock sea fight.
2. (Rom. Antiq.) A show or spectacle representing a sea
fight; also, a place for such exhibitions.
Nauplius \Nau"pli*us\, n.; pl. {Nauplii}. [L., a kind of
shellfish, fr. Gr. ? ship + ? to sail.] (Zo["o]l.)
A crustacean larva having three pairs of locomotive organs
(corresponding to the antennules, antenn[ae], and mandibles),
a median eye, and little or no segmentation of the body.
Nauropometer \Nau`ro*pom"e*ter\, n. [Gr. ? ship + ? inclination
+ -meter.] (Naut.)
An instrument for measuring the amount which a ship heels at
sea.
Nauscopy \Naus"co*py\, n. [Gr. ? ship + -scopy: cf. F.
nauscopie.] (Naut.)
The power or act of discovering ships or land at considerable
distances.
Nausea \Nau"se*a\ (? or ?), n. [L., fr. Gr. ?, fr. ? ship. See
{Nave} of a church, and cf. {Noise}.]
Seasickness; hence, any similar sickness of the stomach
accompanied with a propensity to vomit; qualm; squeamishness
of the stomach; loathing.
Nauseant \Nau"se*ant\, n. [L. nauseans, p. pr. Of nauseare.]
(Med.)
A substance which produces nausea.
Nauseate \Nau"se*ate\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Nauseated}; p. pr. &
vb. n. {Nauseating}.] [L. nauseare, nauseatum, fr. nausea.
See {Nausea}.]
To become squeamish; to feel nausea; to turn away with
disgust.
Nauseate \Nau"se*ate\, v. t.
1. To affect with nausea; to sicken; to cause to feel
loathing or disgust.
2. To sicken at; to reject with disgust; to loathe.
The patient nauseates and loathes wholesome foods.
--Blackmore.
Nauseation \Nau`se*a"tion\, n.
The act of nauseating, or the state of being nauseated.
Nauseative \Nau"se*a*tive\ (? or ?), a.
Causing nausea; nauseous.
Nauseous \Nau"seous\ (?; 277), a. [L. nauseosus.]
Causing, or fitted to cause, nausea; sickening; loathsome;
disgusting; exciting abhorrence; as, a nauseous drug or
medicine. -- {Nau"seous*ly}, adv. -- {Nau"seous*ness}, n.
The nauseousness of such company disgusts a reasonable
man. --Dryden.
Nautch \Nautch\, n. [Hind. n[=a]ch, fr. Skr. n[.r]tya dance.]
An entertainment consisting chiefly of dancing by
professional dancing (or Nautch) girls. [India]
Nautic \Nau"tic\, a. [See {Nautical}.]
Nautical.
Nautical \Nau"tic*al\, a. [L. nauticus, Gr. naytiko`s, fr.
nay`ths a seaman, sailor, fr. nay^s ship: cf. F. nautique.
See {Nave} of a church.]
Of or pertaining to seamen, to the art of navigation, or to
ships; as, nautical skill.
Syn: Naval; marine; maritime. See {Naval}.
{Nautical almanac}. See under {Almanac}.
{Nautical distance}, the length in nautical miles of the
rhumb line joining any two places on the earth's surface.
{nautical mile}. See under {Mile}.
Nautically \Nau"tic*al*ly\, adv.
In a nautical manner; with reference to nautical affairs.
Nautiform \Nau"ti*form\, a. [Gr. nay^s ship + -form.]
Shaped like the hull of a ship.
Nautilite \Nau"ti*lite\, n. (paleon.)
A fossil nautilus.
Nautiloid \Nau"ti*loid\, a. [Nautilus + -oid: cf. F.
nautilo["i]de.] (Zo["o]l.)
Like or pertaining to the nautilus; shaped like a nautilus
shell. -- n. A mollusk, or shell, of the genus Nautilus or
family {Nautilid[ae]}.
Nautilus \Nau"ti*lus\, n.; pl. E. {Nautiluses}, L. {Nautili}.
[L., fr. gr. nayti`los a seaman, sailor, a kind of shellfish
which was supposed to be furnished with a membrane which
served as a sail; fr. nay^s ship. See {Nave} of a church.]
1. (Zo["o]l.) The only existing genus of tetrabranchiate
cephalopods. About four species are found living in the
tropical Pacific, but many other species are found fossil.
The shell is spiral, symmetrical, and chambered, or
divided into several cavities by simple curved partitions,
which are traversed and connected together by a continuous
and nearly central tube or siphuncle. See
{Tetrabranchiata}.
Note: The head of the animal bears numerous simple tapered
arms, or tentacles, arranged in groups, but not
furnished with suckers. The siphon, unlike, that of
ordinary cephalopods, is not a closed tube, and is not
used as a locomotive organ, but merely serves to
conduct water to and from the gill cavity, which
contains two pairs of gills. The animal occupies only
the outer chamber of the shell; the others are filled
with gas. It creeps over the bottom of the sea, not
coming to the surface to swim or sail, as was formerly
imagined.
2. The argonaut; -- also called {paper nautilus}. See
{Argonauta}, and {Paper nautilus}, under {Paper}.
3. A variety of diving bell, the lateral as well as vertical
motions of which are controlled, by the occupants.
Navajoes \Na"va*joes\, n. pl.; sing. {Navajo}. (Ethnol.)
A tribe of Indians inhabiting New Mexico and Arizona, allied
to the Apaches. They are now largely engaged in agriculture.
Naval \Na"val\, a. [L. navalis, fr. navis ship: cf. F. naval.
See {Nave} of a church.]
Having to do with shipping; of or pertaining to ships or a
navy; consisting of ships; as, naval forces, successes,
stores, etc.
{Naval brigade}, a body of seamen or marines organized for
military service on land.
{Naval officer}.
(a) An officer in the navy.
(b) A high officer in some United States customhouses.
{Naval tactics}, the science of managing or maneuvering
vessels sailing in squadrons or fleets.
Syn: Nautical; marine; maritime.
Usage: {Naval}, {Nautical}. Naval is applied to vessels, or a
navy, or the things which pertain to them or in which
they participate; nautical, to seamen and the art of
navigation. Hence we speak of a naval, as opposed to a
military, engagement; naval equipments or stores, a
naval triumph, a naval officer, etc., and of nautical
pursuits or instruction, nautical calculations, a
nautical almanac, etc.
Navals \Na"vals\, n.pl.
Naval affairs. [Obs.]
Navarch \Na"varch\, n. [L. navarchus, Gr. nay`archo`s; nay^s
ship + 'archo`s chief.] (Gr. Antiq.)
The commander of a fleet. --Mitford.
Navarchy \Na"varch*y\, n. [Gr. nayarchi`a.]
Nautical skill or experience. [Obs.] --Sir W. Petty.
Navarrese \Na`var*rese"\ (? or ?), a.
Of or pertaining to Navarre. -- n. sing. & pl. A native or
inhabitant of Navarre; the people of Navarre.
Nave \Nave\ (n[=a]v), n. [AS. nafu; akin to D. naaf, G. nabe,
OHG. naba, Icel. n["o]f, Dan. nav, Sw. naf, Skr. n[=a]bhi
nave and navel: cf. L. umbo boss of a shield. [root]260. Cf.
{Navel}.]
1. The block in the center of a wheel, from which the spokes
radiate, and through which the axle passes; -- called also
{hub} or {hob}.
2. The navel. [Obs.] --hak.
Nave \Nave\, n. [F. nef, fr. L. navis ship, to which the church
was often likened; akin to Gr. nay`archo`s, Skr. n[=a]us, and
perh. to AS. naca boat, G. nachen, Icel. n["o]kkvi; cf. L.
nare to swim, float. Cf. {Nausea}, {Nautical}, {Naval}.]
(Arch.)
The middle or body of a church, extending from the transepts
to the principal entrances, or, if there are no transepts,
from the choir to the principal entrance, but not including
the aisles.
Navel \Na"vel\ (n[=a]"v'l), n. [AS. nafela, fr. nafu nave; akin
to D. navel, G. nabel, OHG. nabolo, Icel. nafli, Dan. navle,
Sw. nafle, L. umbilicus, Gr. 'omfalo`s, Skr. n[=a]bh[=i]la.
[root]260. See {Nave} hub, and cf. {Omphalic}, {Nombril},
{Umbilical}.]
1. (Anat.) A mark or depression in the middle of the abdomen;
the umbilicus. See {Umbilicus}.
2. The central part or point of anything; the middle.
Within the navel of this hideous wood, Immured in
cypress shades, a sorcerer dwells. --Milton.
3. (Gun.) An eye on the under side of a carronade for
securing it to a carriage.
{Navel gall}, a bruise on the top of the chine of the back of
a horse, behind the saddle. --Johnson.
{Navel point}. (Her.) Same as {Nombril}.
Navel-string \Na"vel-string`\, n.
The umbilical cord.
Navelwort \Na"vel*wort`\, n. (Bot.)
A European perennial succulent herb ({Cotyledon umbilicus}),
having round, peltate leaves with a central depression; --
also called {pennywort}, and {kidneywort}.
Navew \Na"vew\, n. [OE. navel, naveau, a dim. fr. L. napus
navew. Cf. {Napiform}.] (Bot.)
A kind of small turnip, a variety of {Brassica campestris}.
See {Brassica}. [Writen also {naphew}.]
Navicular \Na*vic"u*lar\, a. [L. navicularius, fr. navicula,
dim. of navis ship: cf. F. naviculaire.]
1. Of, pertaining to, or resembling, a boat or ship.
2. Shaped like a boat; cymbiform; scaphoid; as, the navicular
glumes of most grasses; the navicular bone.
{Navicular bone}. (Anat.)
(a) One of the middle bones of the tarsus, corresponding
to the centrale; -- called also {scaphoid}.
(b) A proximal bone on the radial side of the carpus; the
scaphoid.
{Navicular disease} (Far.), a disease affecting the navicular
bone, or the adjacent parts, in a horse's foot.
Navicular \Na*vic"u*lar\, n. (Anat.)
The navicular bone.
Navigability \Nav`i*ga*bil"i*ty\, n. [Cf. F. navigabilit['e].]
The quality or condition of being navigable; navigableness.
Navigable \Nav"i*ga*ble\, a. [L. navigabilis: cf. F. navigable.
See {Navigate}.]
Capable of being navigated; deep enough and wide enough to
afford passage to vessels; as, a navigable river.
Note: By the comon law, a river is considered as navigable
only so far as the tide ebbs and flows in it. This is
also the doctrine in several of the United tates. In
other States, the doctrine of thje civil law prevails,
which is, that a navigable river is a river capable of
being navigated, in the common sense of the term.
--Kent. Burrill. -- {Nav"i*ga*ble*ness}, n. --
{Nav"i*ga*bly}, adv.
Navigate \Nav"i*gate\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Navigated}; p. pr. &
vb. n. {Navigating}.] [L. navigatus, p. p. of navigare, v.t.
& i.; navis ship + agere to move, direct. See {Nave}, and
{Agent}.]
To joirney by water; to go in a vessel or ship; to perform
the duties of a navigator; to use the waters as a highway or
channel for commerce or communication; to sail.
The Phenicians navigated to the extremities of the
Western Ocean. --Arbuthnot.
Navigate \Nav"i*gate\, v. t.
1. To pass over in ships; to sail over or on; as, to navigate
the Atlantic.
2. To steer, direct, or manage in sailing; to conduct (ships)
upon the water by the art or skill of seamen; as, to
navigate a ship.
Navigation \Nav`i*ga"tion\, n. [L. navigatio: cf. F.
navigation.]
1. The act of navigating; the act of passing on water in
ships or other vessels; the state of being navigable.
2.
(a) the science or art of conducting ships or vessels from
one place to another, including, more especially, the
method of determining a ship's position, course,
distance passed over, etc., on the surface of the
globe, by the principles of geometry and astronomy.
(b) The management of sails, rudder, etc.; the mechanics
of traveling by water; seamanship.
3. Ships in general. [Poetic] --Shak.
{A["e]rial navigation}, the act or art of sailing or floating
in the air, as by means of ballons; a["e]ronautic.
{Inland navigation}, {Internal navigation}, navigation on
rivers, inland lakes, etc.
Navigator \Nav"i*ga`tor\, n.
One who navigates or sails; esp., one who direct the course
of a ship, or one who is skillful in the art of navigation;
also, a book which teaches the art of navigation; as,
Bowditch's Navigator.
Navigerous \Na*vig"er*ous\, a. [L. naviger; navis ship + gerere
to bear.]
Bearing ships; capable of floating vessels. [R.] --Blount.
Navvy \Nav"vy\, n.; pl. {Navies}. [Abbreviated fr. navigator.]
Originally, a laborer on canals for internal navigation;
hence, a laborer on other public works, as in building
railroads, embankments, etc. [Eng.]
Navy \Na"vy\; n.; pl. {Navies}. [ OF. navie, fr. L. navis ship.
See {Nave} of a church.]
1. A fleet of ships; an assemblage of merchantmen, or so many
as sail in company. ``The navy also of Hiram, that brought
gold from Ophir.'' --1 kings x. 11.
2. The whole of the war vessels belonging to a nation or
ruler, considered collectively; as, the navy of Italy.
3. The officers and men attached to the war vessels of a
nation; as, he belongs to the navy.
{Navy bean}. see {Bean}.
{Navy yard}, a place set apart as a shore station for the use
of the navy. It often contains all the mechanical and
other appliences for building and equipping war vessels
and training their crews.
Nawab \Na*wab"\, n. [See {Nabob}.]
A deputy ruler or viceroy in India; also, a title given by
courtesy to other persons of high rank in the East.
Nawl \Nawl\, n. [See {Nall}.]
An awl. [Obs.] --usser.
Nay \Nay\, adv. [Icel. nei; akin to E. no. See {No}, adv.]
1. No; -- a negative answer to a question asked, or a request
made, now superseded by no. See {Yes}.
And eke when I say ``ye,'' ne say not ``nay.''
--Chaucer.
I tell you nay; but except ye repent, ye shall all
likewisr perish. --Luke xiii.
3.
And now do they thrust us out privily? nay, verily;
but let them come themselves and fetch us out.
--Acts xvi.
37.
He that will not when he may, When he would he shall
have nay. --Old Prov.
Note: Before the time of Henry VIII. nay was used to answer
simple questions, and no was used when the form of the
question involved a negative expression; nay was the
simple form, no the emphatic. --Skeat.
2. Not this merely, but also; not only so, but; -- used to
mark the addition or substitution of a more explicit or
more emphatic phrase.
Note: Nay in this sense may be interchanged with yea. ``Were
he my brother, nay, my kingdom's heir.'' --Shak.
Nay \Nay\, n.; pl. {Nays}.
1. Denial; refusal.
2. a negative vote; one who votes in the negative.
{It is no nay}, there is no denying it. [Obs.] --haucer.
Nay \Nay\, v. t. & i.
To refuse. [Obs.] --Holinshed.
Nayaur \Na*yaur"\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
A specied of wild sheep ({Ovis Hodgsonii}), native of Nepaul
and Thibet. It has a dorsal mane and a white ruff beneath the
neck.
Nayt \Nayt\, v. t. [Icel. neita.]
To refuse; to deny. [Obs.] ``He shall not nayt ne deny his
sin.'' --Chaucer.
Nayward \Nay"ward\, n.
The negative side. [R.]
Howe'er you lean to the nayward. --Shak.
Nayword \Nay"word`\, n.
A byword; a proverb; also, a watchword. [Obs.] --hak.
Nazarene \Naz`a*rene"\, n. [L. Nazarenus, Gr. ?, fr. ?
Nazareth.]
1. A native or inhabitant of Nazareth; -- a term of contempt
applied to Christ and the early Christians.
2. (Eccl. Hist.) One of a sect of Judaizing Christians in the
first and second centuries, who observed the laws of
Moses, and held to certain heresies.
Nazarite \Naz"a*rite\, n.
A Jew bound by a vow to lave the hair uncut, to abstain from
wine and strong drink, and to practice extraordinary purity
of life and devotion, the obligation being for life, or for a
certain time. The word is also used adjectively.
Nazariteship \Naz"a*rite*ship\, n.
The state of a Nazarite.
Nazaritic \Naz`a*rit"ic\, a.
Of or pertaining to a Nazarite, or to Nazarites.
Nazaritism \Naz"a*ri*tism\ (?; 277), n.
The vow and practice of a Nazarite.
Naze \Naze\, n. [See {Ness}.]
A promotory or headland.
Nazirite \Naz"i*rite\, n.
A Nazarite.
Ne \Ne\, adv. [AS. ne. See {No}.]
Not; never. [Obs.]
He never yet no villany ne said. --Chaucer.
Note: Ne was formerly used as the universal adverb of
negation, and survives in certain compounds, as never
(= ne ever) and none (= ne one). Other combinations,
now obsolete, will be found in the Vocabulary, as nad,
nam, nil. See {Negative}, 2.
Ne \Ne\, conj. [See {Ne}, adv.]
Nor. [Obs.] --Shak.
No niggard ne no fool. --Chaucer.
{Ne . . . ne}, neither . . . nor. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Neaf \Neaf\, n.
See 2d {Neif}. --Shak.
Neal \Neal\, v. t.
To anneal. [R.] --Chaucer.
Neal \Neal\, v. i.
To be tempered by heat. [R.] --Bacon.
Neap \Neap\, n. [Cf. {Neb}, {Nape}.]
The tongue or pole of a cart or other vehicle drawn by two
animals. [U.S.]
Neap \Neap\, a. [As. n[=e]pfl[=o]d neap flood; cf. hnipian to
bend, incline.]
Low.
{Neap tides}, the lowest tides of the lunar month, which
occur in the second and fourth quarters of the moon; --
opposed to {spring tides}.
Neap \Neap\, n.
A neap tide.
High springs and dead neaps. --Harkwill.
Neaped \Neaped\, a. (Naut.)
Left aground on the height of a spring tide, so that it will
not float till the next spring tide; -- called also
{beneaped}.
Neapolitan \Ne`a*pol"i*tan\, a. [L. Neapolitanus, fr. Neapolis
Naples, Gr. ?, lit., New town.]
Of of pertaining to Naples in Italy. -- n. A native or
citizen of Naples.
Near \Near\ (n[=e]r), adv. [AS. ne['a]r, compar. of ne['a]h
nigh. See {Nigh}.]
1. At a little distance, in place, time, manner, or degree;
not remote; nigh.
My wife! my traitress! let her not come near me.
--Milton.
2. Nearly; almost; well-nigh. ``Near twenty years ago.''
--Shak. ``Near a fortnight ago.'' --Addison.
Near about the yearly value of the land. --Locke.
3. Closely; intimately. --Shak.
{Far and near}, at a distance and close by; throughout a
whole region.
{To come near to}, to want but little of; to approximate to.
``Such a sum he found would go near to ruin him.''
--Addison.
{Near the wind} (Naut.), close to the wind; closehauled.
Near \Near\, a. [Compar. {Nearer}; superl. {Nearest}.] [See
{Near}, adv.]
1. Not far distant in time, place, or degree; not remote;
close at hand; adjacent; neighboring; nigh. ``As one near
death.'' --Shak.
He served great Hector, and was ever near, Not with
his trumpet only, but his spear. --Dryden.
2. Closely connected or related.
She is thy father's near kinswoman. --Lev. xviii.
12.
3. Close to one's interests, affection, etc.; touching, or
affecting intimately; intimate; dear; as, a near friend.
4. Close to anything followed or imitated; not free, loose,
or rambling; as, a version near to the original.
5. So as barely to avoid or pass injury or loss; close;
narrow; as, a near escape.
6. Next to the driver, when he is on foot; in the Unted
States, on the left of an animal or a team; as, the near
ox; the near leg. See {Off side}, under {Off}, a.
7. Immediate; direct; close; short. ``The nearest way.''
--Milton.
8. Close-fisted; parsimonious. [Obs. or Low, Eng.]
Note: Near may properly be followed by to before the thing
approached'; but more frequently to is omitted, and the
adjective or the adverb is regarded as a preposition.
The same is also true of the word nigh.
Syn: Nigh; close; adjacent; proximate; contiguous; present;
ready; intimate; dear.
Near \Near\, prep.
Adjacent to; close by; not far from; nigh; as, the ship
sailed near the land. See the Note under {near}, a.
Near \Near\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Neared}; p. pr. & vb. n
{Nearing}.] [See {Near}, adv.]
To approach; to come nearer; as, the ship neared the land.
Near \Near\, v. i.
To draw near; to approach.
A speck, a mist, a shape, I wist! And still it neared,
and neared. --Coleridge.
Nearctic \Ne*arc"tic\, a. [Neo + arctic.]
Of or pertaining to a region of the earth's surface including
all of temperate and arctic North America and Greenland. In
the geographical distribution of animals, this region is
marked off as the habitat certain species.
Nearhand \Near"hand`\, a. & adv.
Near; near at hand; closely. [Obs. or Scot.] --Bacon.
Near-legged \Near"-legged`\, a.
Having the feet so near together that they interfere in
traveling. --Shak.
Nearly \Near"ly\, adv.
In a near manner; not remotely; closely; intimately; almost.
Nearness \Near"ness\, n.
The state or quality of being near; -- used in the various
senses of the adjective.
Nearsighted \Near"sight`ed\, a.
Seeing distinctly at short distances only; shortsighted.
Nearsightedness \Near"sight`ed*ness\, n.
See {Myopic}, and {Myopia}.
Neat \Neat\, n. sing. & pl. [AS. ne['a]t; akin to OHG. n?z,
Icel. naut, Sw. n["o]t, Dan. n["o]d, and to AS. ne['o]tan to
make use of, G. geniessen, Goth. niutan to have a share in,
have joy of, Lith. nauda use, profit.] (Zo["o]l.)
Cattle of the genus {Bos}, as distinguished from horses,
sheep, and goats; an animal of the genus {Bos}; as, a neat's
tongue; a neat's foot. --Chaucer.
Wherein the herds[men] were keeping of their neat.
--Spenser.
The steer, the heifer, and the calf Are all called
neat. --Shak.
A neat and a sheep of his own. --Tusser.
{Neat's-foot}, an oil obtained by boiling the feet of neat
cattle. It is used to render leather soft and pliable.
Neat \Neat\, a. [See {neat}, n.]
Of or pertaining to the genus {Bos}, or to cattle of that
genus; as, neat cattle.
Neat \Neat\, a. [Compar. {Neater}; superl. {Neatest}.] [OE.
nett, F. nett, fr. L. nitidus, fr. nitere to shine. Cf.
{Nitid}, {Net}, a., {Natty}.]
1. Free from that which soils, defiles, or disorders; clean;
cleanly; tidy.
If you were to see her, you would wonder what poor
body it was that was so surprisingly neat and clean.
--Law.
2. Free from what is unbecoming, inappropriate, or tawdry;
simple and becoming; pleasing with simplicity; tasteful;
chaste; as, a neat style; a neat dress.
3. Free from admixture or adulteration; good of its kind; as,
neat brandy. ``Our old wine neat.'' --Chapman.
4. Excellent in character, skill, or performance, etc.; nice;
finished; adroit; as, a neat design; a neat thief.
5. With all deductions or allowances made; net.
Note: [In this sense usually written {net}. See {Net}, a.,
3.]
{neat line} (Civil Engin.), a line to which work is to be
built or formed.
{Neat work}, work built or formed to neat lines.
Syn: Nice; pure; cleanly; tidy; trim; spruce.
'Neath \'Neath\ (? or ?), prep. & adv.
An abbreviation of {Beneath}. [Poetic]
Neatherd \Neat"herd`\, n.
A person who has the care of neat cattle; a cowherd.
--Dryden.
Neathouse \Neat"house`\, n.
A building for the shelter of neat cattle. [Obs. or Prov.
Eng.] --Massinger.
Neatify \Neat"i*fy\, v. t. [Neat, a. + -fy.]
To make neat. [Obs.] --olland.
Neatly \Neat"ly\, adv.
In a neat manner; tidily; tastefully.
neatness \neat"ness\, n.
The state or quality of being neat.
Neatress \Neat"ress\, n. [From neat cattle.]
A woman who takes care of cattle. [R.] --Warner.
Neb \Neb\, n. [AS. nebb head, face; akin to D. neb, Icel. nef,
beak of a bird, nose, Dan. n[ae]b beak, bill, Sw. n["a]bb,
n["a]f, and prob. also to D. sneb, snavel, bill, beak, G.
schnabel, Dan. & Sw. snabel, and E. snap. Cf. {Nib}, {Snap},
{Snaffle}.]
The nose; the snout; the mouth; the beak of a bird; a nib, as
of a pen. [Also written {nib}.] --Shak.
Nebalia \Ne*ba"li*a\, n. [NL., of uncertain origin.] (Zo["o]l.)
A genus of small marine Crustacea, considered the type of a
distinct order ({Nebaloidea}, or {Phyllocarida}.)
Neb-neb \Neb"-neb`\, n.
Same as {Bablh}.
Nebula \Neb"u*la\, n.; pl. {Nebul[ae]}. [L., mist, cloud; akin
to Gr. ?, ?, cloud, mist, G. nebel mist, OHG. nebul, D.
nevel, Skr. nabhas cloud, mist. Cf. {Nebule}.]
1. (Astron.) A faint, cloudlike, self-luminous mass of matter
situated beyond the solar system among the stars. True
nebul[ae] are gaseous; but very distant star clusters
often appear like them in the telescope.
2. (Med.)
(a) A white spot or a slight opacity of the cornea.
(b) A cloudy appearance in the urine. [Obs.]
Nebular \Neb"u*lar\, a.
Of or pertaining to nebul[ae]; of the nature of, or
resembling, a nebula.
{Nebular hypothesis}, an hypothesis to explain the process of
formation of the stars and planets, presented in various
forms by Kant, Herschel, Laplace, and others. As formed by
Laplace, it supposed the matter of the solar system to
have existed originally in the form of a vast, diffused,
revolving nebula, which, gradually cooling and
contracting, threw off, in obedience to mechanical and
physical laws, succesive rings of matter, from which
subsequently, by the same laws, were produced the several
planets, satellites, and other bodies of the system. The
phrase may indicate any hypothesis according to which the
stars or the bodies of the solar system have been evolved
from a widely diffused nebulous form of matter.
Nebulated \Neb"u*la`ted\, a.
Clouded with indistinct color markings, as an animal.
nebulation \neb`u*la"tion\, n.
The condition of being nebulated; also, a clouded, or
ill-defined, color mark.
Nebule \Neb"ule\, n. [Cf. F. n['e]bule. See {nebula}.]
A little cloud; a cloud. [Obs.]
O light without nebule. --Old Ballad.
N'ebul'e \N['e]`bu`l['e]"\, Nebuly \Neb"u*ly\, a. [F.
n['e]bul['e].] (Her.)
Composed of successive short curves supposed to resemble a
cloud; -- said of a heraldic line by which an ordinary or
subordinary may be bounded.
Nebulization \Neb`u*li*za"tion\, n. (Med.)
The act or process of nebulizing; atomization.
Nebulize \Neb"u*lize\, v. t. [See {Nebula}.]
To reduce (as a liquid) to a fine spray or vapor; to atomize.
Nebulizer \Neb"u*li`zer\, n.
An atomizer.
Nebulose \Neb"u*lose`\, a.
Nebulous; cloudy. --Derham.
Nebulosity \Neb`u*los"i*ty\, n. [L. nebulositas: cf. F.
n['e]bulosit['e]]
1. The state or quality of being nebulous; cloudiness;
hazeness; mistiness; nebulousness.
The nebulosity . . . of the mother idiom. --I.
Disraeli.
2. (Astron.)
(a) The stuff of which a nebula is formed.
(b) A nebula.
Nebulous \Neb"u*lous\, a. [L. nebulosus: cf. F. n['e]buleux. See
{Nebula}.]
1. Cloudy; hazy; misty.
2. (Astron.) Of, pertaining to, or having the appearance of,
a nebula; nebular; cloudlike. -- {Neb"u*lous*ly}, adv. --
{Neb"u*lous*ness}, n.
Nebuly \Neb"u*ly\, n. (Her. & Arch.)
A line or a direction composed of successive short curves or
waves supposed to resembe a cloud. See {N['E]bul['E]}
Necessarian \Nec`es*sa"ri*an\, n. [Cf. F. n['e]cessarien. See
{Mecessary}.]
An advocate of the doctrine of philosophical necessity; a
nacessitarian.
Necessarian \Nec`es*sa"ri*an\, a.
Of or pertaining to necessarianism.
Necessarianism \Nec`es*sa"ri*an*ism\, n.
The doctrine of philosophical necessity; necessitarianism.
--Hixley.
Necessarily \Nec"es*sa*ri*ly\, adv.
In a necessary manner; by necessity; unavoidably;
indispensably.
Necessariness \Nec"es*sa*ri*ness\, n.
The quality of being necessary.
Necessary \Nec"es*sa*ry\, a. [L. necessarius, from necesse
unavoidable, necessary; of uncertain origin: cf. F.
n['e]cessaire.]
1. Such as must be; impossible to be otherwise; not to be
avoided; inevitable.
Death, a necessary end, Will come when it will come.
--Shak.
2. Impossible to be otherwise, or to be dispensed with,
without preventing the attainment of a desired result;
indispensable; requiste; essential. ``'T is necessary he
should die.'' --Shak.
A certain kind of temper is necessary to the
pleasure and quiet of our minds. --Tillotson.
3. Acting from necessity or compulsion; involuntary; --
opposed to {free}; as, whether man is a necessary or a
free agent is a question much discussed.
Necessary \Nec"es*sa*ry\, n.; pl. {Necessaries}.
1. A thing that is necessary or indispensable to some
purpose; something that one can not do without; a
requisite; an essential; -- used chiefly in the plural;
as, the necessaries of life.
2. A privy; a water-closet.
3. pl. (Law) Such things, in respect to infants, lunatics,
and married women, as are requisite for support suitable
to station.
Necessitarian \Ne*ces`si*ta"ri*an\, a.
Of or pertaining to the doctrine of philosophical necessity
in regard to the origin and existence of things, especially
as applied to the actings or choices of the will; -- opposed
to {libertarian}.
Necessitarian \Ne*ces`si*ta"ri*an\, n.
One who holds to the doctrine of necessitarianism.
Necessitarianism \Ne*ces`si*ta"ri*an*ism\, n.
The doctrine of philosophical necessity; the doctrine that
results follow by invariable sequence from causes, and esp.
that the will is not free, but that human actions and choices
result inevitably from motives; deteminism. --M. Arnold.
Necessitate \Ne*ces"si*tate\, v. t. [imp. & p. p.
{Necessitated}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Necessitating}.] [Cf. L.
necessitatus, p. p. of necessitare, and F. n['e]cessiter. See
{Necessity}.]
1. To make necessary or indispensable; to render unaviolable.
Sickness [might] necessitate his removal from the
court. --South.
This fact necessitates a second line. --J. Peile.
2. To reduce to the necessity of; to force; to compel.
The Marquis of Newcastle, being pressed on both
sides, was necessitated to draw all his army into
York. --Clarendon.
Necessitattion \Ne*ces`si*tat"tion\, n. [Cf. F.
n['e]cessitation.]
The act of making necessary, or the state of being made
necessary; compulsion. [R.] --bp. Bramhall.
Necessitied \Ne*ces"si*tied\, a.
In a state of want; necessitous. [Obs.] --Shak.
Necessitous \Ne*ces"si*tous\, a. [Cf. F. n['e]cessiteux.]
1. Very needy or indigent; pressed with poverty.
Necessitous heirs and penurious parents.
--Arbuthnot.
2. Narrow; destitute; pinching; pinched; as, necessitous
circumstances. -- {Ne*ces"si*tous*ly}, adv. --
{Ne*ces"si*tous*ness}, n.
Necessitude \Ne*ces"si*tude\, n. [L. necessitudo, fr. necesse.
See {Necessray}.]
1. Necessitousness; want. --Sir M. Hale.
2. Necessary connection or relation.
Between kings and their people, parents and their
children, there is so great a necessitude,
propriety, and intercourse of nature. --Jer. Taylor.
Necessity \Ne*ces"si*ty\, n.; pl. {Necessities}. [OE. necessite,
F. n['e]cessit['e], L. necessitas, fr. necesse. See
{Necessary}.]
1. The quality or state of being necessary, unavoidable, or
absolutely requisite; inevitableness; indispensableness.
2. The condition of being needy or necessitous; pressing
need; indigence; want.
Urge the necessity and state of times. --Shak.
The extreme poverty and necessity his majesty was
in. --Clarendon.
3. That which is necessary; a necessary; a requisite;
something indispensable; -- often in the plural.
These should be hours for necessities, Not for
delights. --Shak.
What was once to me Mere matter of the fancy, now
has grown The vast necessity of heart and life.
--Tennyson.
4. That which makes an act or an event unavoidable;
irresistible force; overruling power; compulsion, physical
or moral; fate; fatality.
So spake the fiend, and with necessity, The tyrant's
plea, excused his devilish deeds. --Milton.
5. (Metaph.) The negation of freedom in voluntary action; the
subjection of all phenomena, whether material or
spiritual, to inevitable causation; necessitarianism.
{Of necessity}, by necessary consequence; by compulsion, or
irresistible power; perforce.
Syn: See {Need}.
Neck \Neck\, n. [OE. necke, AS. hnecca; akin to D. nek the nape
of the neck, G. nacken, OHG. nacch, hnacch, Icel. hnakki, Sw.
nacke, Dan. nakke.]
1. The part of an animal which connects the head and the
trunk, and which, in man and many other animals, is more
slender than the trunk.
2. Any part of an inanimate object corresponding to or
resembling the neck of an animal; as:
(a) The long slender part of a vessel, as a retort, or of
a fruit, as a gourd.
(b) A long narrow tract of land projecting from the main
body, or a narrow tract connecting two larger tracts.
(c) (Mus.) That part of a violin, guitar, or similar
instrument, which extends from the head to the body,
and on which is the finger board or fret board.
3. (Mech.) A reduction in size near the end of an object,
formed by a groove around it; as, a neck forming the
journal of a shaft.
4. (Bot.) the point where the base of the stem of a plant
arises from the root.
{Neck and crop}, completely; wholly; altogether; roughly and
at once. [Colloq.]
{Neck and neck} (Racing), so nearly equal that one cannot be
said to be before the other; very close; even; side by
side.
{Neck of a capital}. (Arch.) See {Gorgerin}.
{Neck of a cascabel} (Gun.), the part joining the knob to the
base of the breech.
{Neck of a gun}, the small part of the piece between the
chase and the swell of the muzzle.
{Neck of a tooth} (Anat.), the constriction between the root
and the crown.
{Neck or nothing} (Fig.), at all risks.
{Neck verse}.
(a) The verse formerly read to entitle a party to the
benefit of clergy, said to be the first verse of the
fifty-first Psalm, ``Miserere mei,'' etc. --Sir W.
Scott.
(b) Hence, a verse or saying, the utterance of which
decides one's fate; a shibboleth.
These words, ``bread and cheese,'' were their
neck verse or shibboleth to distinguish them;
all pronouncing ``broad and cause,'' being
presently put to death. --Fuller.
{Neck yoke}.
(a) A bar by which the end of the tongue of a wagon or
carriage is suspended from the collars of the
harnesses.
(b) A device with projecting arms for carrying things (as
buckets of water or sap) suspended from one's
shoulders.
{On the neck of}, immediately after; following closely.
``Commiting one sin on the neck of another.'' --W.
Perkins.
{Stiff neck}, obstinacy in evil or wrong; inflexible
obstinacy; contumacy. ``I know thy rebellion, and thy
stiff neck.'' --Deut. xxxi. 27.
{To break the neck of}, to destroy the main force of. ``What
they presume to borrow from her sage and virtuous rules .
. . breaks the neck of their own cause.'' --Milton.
{To harden the neck}, to grow obstinate; to be more and more
perverse and rebellious. --Neh. ix. 17.
{To tread on the neck of}, to oppress; to tyrannize over.
Neck \Neck\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Necked}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Necking}.] (Mech.)
To reduce the diameter of (an object) near its end, by making
a groove around it; -- used with down; as, to neck down a
shaft.
Neckar nut \Neck"ar nut`\ (Bot.)
See {Nicker nut}.
Neckband \Neck"band`\, n.
A band which goes around the neck; often, the part at the top
of a garment.
Neckcloth \Neck"cloth`\ (?; 115), n.
A piece of any fabric worn around the neck.
Necked \Necked\, a.
1. Having (such) a neck; -- chiefly used in composition; as,
stiff-necked.
2. (Naut.) Cracked; -- said of a treenail.
Neckerchief \Neck"er*chief\, n. [For neck kerchief.]
A kerchief for the neck; -- called also {neck handkerchief}.
Necking \Neck"ing\, n.
Same as {Neckmold}.
Necklace \Neck"lace\ (?; 48), n.
1. A string of beads, etc., or any continuous band or chain,
worn around the neck as an ornament.
2. (Naut.) A rope or chain fitted around the masthead to hold
hanging blocks for jibs and stays.
necklaced \neck"laced\, a.
Wearing a necklace; marked as with a necklace.
The hooded and the necklaced snake. --Sir W.
Jones.
neckland \neck"land\, n.
A neck of land. [Obs.]
necklet \neck"let\, n.
A necklace. --E. Anold.
Neckmold \Neck"mold`\, Neckmould \Neck"mould`\, n. (Arch.)
A small convex molding surrounding a column at the jinction
of the shaft and capital. --Weale.
Neckplate \Neck"plate`\, n.
See {Gorget}, 1 and 2.
Necktie \Neck"tie`\, n.
A scarf, band, or kerchief of silk, etc., passing around the
neck or collar and tied in front; a bow of silk, etc.,
fastened in front of the neck.
Neckwear \Neck"wear`\, n.
A collective term for cravats, collars, etc. [Colloq. or
trade name]
Neckweed \Neck"weed`\, n. (Bot.)
(a) An American annual weed ({veronica peregrina}), with
small white flowers and a roundish pod.
(b) The hemp; -- so called as furnishing ropes for hanging
criminals. --Dr. prior.
Necrobiosis \Nec`ro*bi*o"sis\, n. [NL., fr. Gr. ? dead + ? way
of life, fr. ? life.] (Biol. & Med.)
The death of a part by molecular disintegration and without
loss of continuity, as in the processes of degeneration and
atrophy.
--Virchow.
Necrobiotic \Nec`ro*bi*ot"ic\, a. (Biol. & Med.)
Of or pertaining to necrobiosis; as, a necrobiotic
metamorphosis.
Necrolatry \Ne*crol"a*try\, n. [Gr. ? a dead person + ? to
worship.]
The worship of the dead; manes worship. --H. Spenser.
Necrolite \Nec"ro*lite\, n. [Gr. ? a corpse + -lite.] (Min.)
Same as {Necronite}.
Necrologic \Nec`ro*log"ic\, Necrological \Nec`ro*log"ic*al\, a.
[Cf. F. n['e]crologique.]
Of or pertaining to necrology; of the nature of necrology;
relating to, or giving, an account of the dead, or of deaths.
Necrologist \Ne*crol"o*gist\, n.
One who gives an account of deaths.
Necrology \Ne*crol"o*gy\, n.; pl. {Necrologies}. [Gr. ? a dead
person + -logy: cf. F. n['e]crologie. See {Necromancy}.]
An account of deaths, or of the dead; a register of deaths; a
collection of obituary notices.
Necromancer \Nec"ro*man`cer\, n.
One who practices necromancy; a sorcerer; a wizard.
Necromancy \Nec"ro*man`cy\, n. [OE. nigromaunce, nigromancie,
OF. nigromance, F. n['e]cromance, n['e]cromancie, from L.
necromantia, Gr. ?; ? a dead body (akin to L. necare to kill,
Skr. na(?) to perish, vanish) + ? divination, fr. ? diviner,
seer, akin to E. mania. See {Mania}, and cf. {Internecine},
{Noxious}. The old spelling is due to confusion with L. niger
black. Hence the name black art.]
The art of revealing future events by means of a pretended
communication with the dead; the black art; hence, magic in
general; conjuration; enchantment. See {Black art}.
This palace standeth in the air, By necromancy
plac[`e]d there. --Drayton.
Necromantic \Nec`ro*man"tic\, n.
Conjuration. [R.]
With all the necromantics of their art. --Young.
Necromantic \Nec`ro*man"tic\, Necromantical \Nec`ro*man"tic*al\,
a.
Of or pertaining to necromancy; performed by necromancy. --
{Nec`ro*man"tic*al*ly}, adv.
Necronite \Nec"ro*nite\, n. [Gr. ? a dead body.] (Min.)
Fetid feldspar, a mineral which, when struck, exhales a fetid
odor.
Necrophagan \Ne*croph"a*gan\, a. [See {Necrophagous}.]
(Zo["o]l.)
Eating carrion. -- n. (Zo["o]l.) Any species of a tribe
({Necrophaga}) of beetles which, in the larval state, feed on
carrion; a burying beetle.
Necrophagous \Ne*croph"a*gous\, a. [Gr. ? eating corpses; ? a
dead body + ? to eat: cf. F. n['e]crophage.] (Zo["o]l.)
Of or pertaining to the {Necrophaga}; eating carrion. See
{Necrophagan}.
Necrophobia \Nec`ro*pho"bi*a\, n. [NL., fr. Gr. ? a dead body +
? to fear.]
An exaggerated fear of death or horror of dead bodies.
Necrophore \Nec"ro*phore\, n. [Gr. ? a dead body + ? to bear.]
(Zo["o]l.)
Any one of numerous species of beetles of the genus
{Necrophorus} and allied genera; -- called also {burying
beetle}, {carrion beetle}, {sexton beetle}.
Necropolis \Ne*crop"o*lis\, n.; pl. {Necropolises}. [NL., fr.
Gr. ?; ? a dead body, adj., dead + ? city.]
A city of the dead; a name given by the ancients to their
cemeteries, and sometimes applied to modern burial places; a
graveyard.
Necropsy \Nec"rop*sy\, n. [Gr. ? a dead body + ? sight: cf. F.
n['e]cropsie.] (Med.)
A post-mortem examination or inspection; an autopsy. See
{Autopsy}.
Necroscopic \Nec`ro*scop"ic\, Necroscopical \Nec`ro*scop"ic*al\,
a. [Gr. ? a dead body + -scope.]
Or or relating to post-mortem examinations.
Necrose \Ne*crose"\, v. t. & i. (Med.)
To affect with necrosis; to unergo necrosis. --Quain.
Necrosed \Ne*crosed"\, a. (Med.)
Affected by necrosis; dead; as, a necrosed bone. --Dunglison.
Necrosis \Ne*cro"sis\, n. [NL., fr. gr. ?, fr. ? to make dead,
to mortify, ? a dead body.]
1. (med.) Mortification or gangrene of bone, or the death of
a bone or portion of a bone in mass, as opposed to its
death by molecular disintegration. See {Caries}.
2. (Bot.) A disease of trees, in which the branches gradually
dry up from the bark to the center.
Necrotic \Ne*crot"ic\, a. (Med.)
Affected with necrosis; as, necrotic tissue; characterized
by, or producing, necrosis; as, a necrotic process.
Nectar \Nec"tar\, n. [L., fr. gr. ?.]
1. (Myth. & Poetic) The drink of the gods (as ambrosia was
their food); hence, any delicious or inspiring beverage.
2. (Bot.) A sweetish secretion of blossoms from which bees
make honey.
Nectareal \Nec*ta"re*al\, a.
1. Nectareous.
2. (Bot.) Of or pertaining to a nectary.
Nectarean \Nec*ta"re*an\, a. [L. nectareus: cf. F.
nectar['e]en.]
Resembling nectar; very sweet and pleasant. ``nectarean
juice.'' --Talfourd.
Nectared \Nec"tared\, a.
Imbued with nectar; mingled with nectar; abounding with
nectar. --Milton.
Nectareous \Nec*ta"re"ous\, a.
Of, pertaining to, containing, or resembling nectar;
delicious; nectarean. --Pope. -- {Nec*ta"re*ous*ly}, adv. --
{Nec*ta"re*ous*ness}, n.
Nectarial \Nec*ta"ri*al\, a.
Of or pertaining to the nectary of a plant.
Nectaried \Nec"ta*ried\, a.
Having a nectary.
Nectariferous \Nec`tar*if"er*ous\, a. [L. nectar nectar +
-ferous: cf. F. nectarif[`e]re.] (Bot.)
Secreting nectar; -- said of blossoms or their parts.
Nectarine \Nec"tar*ine\, a.
Nectareous. [R.] --Milton.
Nectarine \Nec"tar*ine\, n. [Cf. F. nectarine. See {Nectar}.]
(Bot.)
A smooth-skinned variety of peach.
{Spanish nectarine}, the plumlike fruit of the West Indian
tree {Chrysobalanus Icaco}; -- also called {cocoa plum}.
it is made into a sweet conserve which a largely exported
from Cuba.
Nectarize \Nec"tar*ize\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Nectarized}; p.
pr. & vb. n. {Nectarizing}.]
To mingle or infuse with nectar; to sweeten. [Obs.]
--Cockeram.
Nectarous \Nec"tar*ous\, a.
Nectareous. --Milton.
Nectary \Nec"ta*ry\, n.; pl. {Nectaries}. [From {Nectar}: cf. F.
nectaire.] (Bot.)
That part of a blossom which secretes nectar, usually the
base of the corolla or petals; also, the spur of such flowers
as the larkspur and columbine, whether nectariferous or not.
See the Illustration of {Nasturtium}.
Nectocalyx \Nec`to*ca"lyx\, n.; pl. {Nectocalyces}. [NL., fr.
gr. ? swimming + ? a calyx.] (Zo["o]l.)
(a) The swimming bell or umbrella of a jellyfish of medusa.
(b) One of the zooids of certain Siphonophora, having
somewhat the form, and the essential structure, of the
bell of a jellyfish, and acting as a swimming organ.
Nectosac \Nec"to*sac\, Nectosack \Nec"to*sack\, n. [Gr. ?
swimming + E. sac, sack.] (Zo["o]l.)
The cavity of a nectocalyx.
Nectostem \Nec"to*stem\, n. [Gr. ? swimming + E. stem.]
(Zo["o]l.)
That portion of the axis which bears the nectocalyces in the
Siphonophora.
Nedder \Ned"der\, n. [See {Adder}.] (Zo["o]l.)
An adder. [Obs. or Prov. Eng.] --Chaucer.
Neddy \Ned"dy\, n.; pl. {Neddies}. (Zo["o]l.)
A pet name for a donkey.
Nee \Nee\, p. p., fem. [F., fr. L. nata, fem. of natus, p. p. of
nasci to be born. See {Nation}.]
Born; -- a term sometimes used in introducing the name of the
family to which a married woman belongs by birth; as, Madame
de Sta["e]l, n['e]e Necker.
Need \Need\, n. [OE. need, neod, nede, AS. ne['a]d, n[=y]d; akin
to D. nood, G. not, noth, Icel. nau[eth]r, Sw. & Dan. n["o]d,
Goth. naups.]
1. A state that requires supply or relief; pressing occasion
for something; necessity; urgent want.
And the city had no need of the sun. --Rev. xxi.
23.
I have no need to beg. --Shak.
Be governed by your needs, not by your fancy. --Jer.
Taylor.
2. Want of the means of subsistence; poverty; indigence;
destitution. --Chaucer.
Famine is in thy cheeks; Need and oppression
starveth in thine eyes. --Shak.
3. That which is needful; anything necessary to be done;
(pl.) necessary things; business. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
4. Situation of need; peril; danger. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Syn: Exigency; emergency; strait; extremity; necessity;
distress; destitution; poverty; indigence; want; penury.
Usage: {Need}, {Necessity}. Necessity is stronger than need;
it places us under positive compulsion. We are
frequently under the necessity of going without that
of which we stand very greatly in need. It is also
with the corresponding adjectives; necessitous
circumstances imply the direct pressure of suffering;
needy circumstances, the want of aid or relief.
Need \Need\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Needed}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Needing}.] [See {Need}, n. Cf. AS. n?dan to force, Goth.
nau?jan.]
To be in want of; to have cause or occasion for; to lack; to
require, as supply or relief.
Other creatures all day long Rove idle, unemployed, and
less need rest. --Milton.
Note: With another verb, need is used like an auxiliary,
generally in a negative sentence expressing requirement
or obligation, and in this use it undergoes no change
of termination in the third person singular of the
present tense. ``And the lender need not fear he shall
be injured.'' --Anacharsis (Trans. ).
Need \Need\, v. i.
To be wanted; to be necessary. --Chaucer.
When we have done it, we have done all that is in our
power, and all that needs. --Locke.
Need \Need\, adv.
Of necessity. See {Needs}. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Needer \Need"er\, n.
One who needs anything. --Shak.
Needful \Need"ful\, a.
1. Full of need; in need or want; needy; distressing.
[Archaic] --Chaucer.
The needful time of trouble. --Bk. of Com.
Prayer.
2. Necessary for supply or relief; requisite.
All things needful for defense abound. --Dryden.
-- {Need"ful*ly}, adv. -- {Need"ful*ness}, n.
Needily \Need"i*ly\, adv. [From {Needy}.]
In a needy condition or manner; necessarily. --Chaucer.
Neediness \Need"i*ness\, n.
The state or quality of being needy; want; poverty;
indigence.
Needle \Nee"dle\, n. [OE. nedle, AS. n?dl; akin to D. neald, OS.
n[=a]dla, G. nadel, OHG. n[=a]dal, n[=a]dala, Icel. n[=a]l,
Sw. n[*a]l, Dan. naal, and also to G. n["a]hen to sew, OHG.
n[=a]jan, L. nere to spin, Gr. ?, and perh. to E. snare: cf.
Gael. & Ir. snathad needle, Gael. snath thread, G. schnur
string, cord.]
1. A small instrument of steel, sharply pointed at one end,
with an eye to receive a thread, -- used in sewing.
--Chaucer.
Note: In some needles(as for sewing machines) the eye is at
the pointed end, but in ordinary needles it is at the
blunt end.
2. See {Magnetic needle}, under {Magnetic}.
3. A slender rod or wire used in knitting; a knitting needle;
also, a hooked instrument which carries the thread or
twine, and by means of which knots or loops are formed in
the process of netting, knitting, or crocheting.
4. (Bot.) One of the needle-shaped secondary leaves of pine
trees. See {Pinus}.
5. Any slender, pointed object, like a needle, as a pointed
crystal, a sharp pinnacle of rock, an obelisk, etc.
{Dipping needle}. See under {Dipping}.
{Needle bar}, the reciprocating bar to which the needle of a
sewing machine is attached.
{Needle beam} (Arch.), to shoring, the horizontal cross
timber which goes through the wall or a pier, and upon
which the weight of the wall rests, when a building is
shored up to allow of alterations in the lower part.
{Needle furze} (Bot.), a prickly leguminous plant of Western
Europe; the petty whin ({Genista Anglica}).
{Needle gun}, a firearm loaded at the breech with a cartridge
carrying its own fulminate, which is exploded by driving a
slender needle, or pin, into it.
{Needle loom} (Weaving), a loom in which the weft thread is
carried through the shed by a long eye-pointed needle
instead of by a shuttle.
{Needle ore} (Min.), acicular bismuth; a sulphide of bismuth,
lead, and copper occuring in acicular crystals; -- called
also {aikinite}.
{Needle shell} (Zo["o]l.), a sea urchin.
{Needle spar} (Min.), aragonite.
{Needle telegraph}, a telegraph in which the signals are
given by the deflections of a magnetic needle to the right
or to the left of a certain position.
{Sea needle} (Zo["o]l.), the garfish.
Needle \Nee"dle\, v. t.
To form in the shape of a needle; as, to needle crystals.
Needle \Nee"dle\, v. i.
To form needles; to crystallize in the form of needles.
Needlebook \Nee"dle*book`\, n.
A book-shaped needlecase, having leaves of cloth into which
the needles are stuck.
Needlecase \Nee"dle*case`\, n.
A case to keep needles.
Needlefish \Nee"dle*fish`\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
(a) The European great pipefich ({Siphostoma, or Syngnathus,
acus}); -- called also {earl}, and {tanglefish}.
(b) The garfish.
needleful \nee"dle*ful\, n.; pl. {needlefuls}.
As much thread as is used in a needle at one time.
Needle-pointed \Nee"dle-pointed`\, a.
Pointed as needles.
Needler \Nee"dler\, n.
One who makes or uses needles; also, a dealer in needles.
--Piers Plowman.
Needless \Nee"dless\, a.
1. Having no need. [Obs.]
Weeping into the needless stream. --Shak.
2. Not wanted; unnecessary; not requiste; as, needless labor;
needless expenses.
3. Without sufficient cause; groundless; cuseless. ``Needless
jealousy.'' --Shak. -- {Need"less*ly}, adv. --
{Need"less*ness}, n.
Needlestone \Nee"dle*stone`\, n. (Min.)
Natrolite; -- called also {needle zeolite}.
Needlewoman \Nee"dle*wom`an\, n.; pl. {Needlewomen}.
A woman who does needlework; a seamstress.
Needlework \Nee"dle*work`\, n.
1. Work executed with a needle; sewed work; sewing;
embroidery; also, the business of a seamstress.
2. The combination of timber and plaster making the outside
framework of some houses.
Needly \Nee"dly\, a.
Like a needle or needles; as, a needly horn; a needly beard.
--R. D. Blackmore.
Needly \Need"ly\, adv. [AS. n?dlice. See {Need}.]
Necessarily; of necessity. [Obs.] --hak.
Needment \Need"ment\, n.
Something needed or wanted. pl. Outfit; necessary luggage.
[Archaic] --Spenser.
Carrying each his needments. --Wordsworth.
Needs \Needs\, adv. [Orig. gen. of need, used as an adverb. Cf.
{-wards}.]
Of necessity; necessarily; indispensably; -- often with must,
and equivalent to of need.
A man must needs love mauger his head. --Chaucer.
And he must needs go through Samaria. --John iv. 4.
He would needs know the cause of his reulse. --Sir J.
Davies.
Needscost \Needs"cost`\, adv.
Of necessity. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Needsly \Needs"ly\, adv.
Of necessity. [Obs.] --Drayton.
Needy \Need"y\, a. [Compar. {Needer}; superl. {Neediest}.]
1. Distressed by want of the means of living; very por;
indigent; necessitous.
Thou shalt open thy hand wide unto thy brother, to
thy poor, and to thy needy in thy land. --Deut. xv.
11.
Spare the bluches of needly merit. --Dr. T.
Dwight.
2. Necessary; requiste. [Obs.]
Corn to make your needy bread. --Shak.
Neeld \Neeld\, Neele \Neele\, n. [See {Needle}.]
A needle. [Obs.] --Shak.
Neelghau \Neel"ghau\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
See {Nylghau}.
Neem tree \Neem" tree`\ [Hind. n[=i]m.] (Bot.)
An Asiatic name for {Melia Azadirachta}, and {M. Azedarach}.
See {Margosa}.
Neer \Neer\, adv. & a.
Nearer. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Ne'er \Ne'er\ (? or ?), adv.
a contraction of {Never}.
Neese \Neese\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Neesed}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Neesing}.] [OE. nesen; akin to D. niezen, G. niesen, Icel.
hnj[=o]sa.]
To sneeze. [Obs.] [Written also {neeze}.]
Neesing \Nees"ing\, n.
Sneezing. [Obs.] ``By his neesings a light doth shine.''
--Job xli. 18.
Ne exeat \Ne` ex"e*at\ [L. ne exeat regno let him not go out of
the kingdom.] (Law)
A writ to restrain a person from leaving the country, or the
jurisdiction of the court. The writ was originally applicable
to purposes of state, but is now an ordinary process of
courts of equity, resorted to for the purpose of obtaining
bail, or security to abide a decree. --Kent.
Nef \Nef\ (?; F. ?), n. [F. See {Nave}.]
The nave of a church. --Addison.
Nefand \Ne"fand\, Nefandous \Ne*fan"dous\, a. [L. nefandus not
to be spoken; ne not + fari to speak.]
Unfit to speak of; unmentionable; impious; execrable. [Obs.]
``Nefand adominations.'' --Sheldon. ``Nefandous high
treason.'' --Cotton Mather.
Nefarious \Ne*fa"ri*ous\, a. [L. nefarius, fr. nefas crime,
wrong; ne not + fas divine law; akin to fari to speak. See
{No}, adv., and {Fate}.]
Wicked in the extreme; abominable; iniquitous; atrociously
villainous; execrable; detestably vile.
Syn: Iniquitous; detestable; horrible; heinious; atrocious;
infamous; impious. See {Iniquitous}. --
{Ne*fa"ri*ous*ly}, adv. -- {Ne*fa"ri*ous*ness}, n.
Nefasch \Ne"fasch\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
Any fish of the genus {Distichodus}. Several large species
inhabit the Nile.
Nefast \Ne"fast\, a. [L. nefastus.]
Wicked. [R.]
Negation \Ne*ga"tion\, n. [L. negatio, fr. negare to say no, to
deny; ne not + the root of aio I say; cf. Gr. ?, Skr. ah to
say; cf. F. n['e]gation. See {No}, adv., and cf. {Adage},
{Deny}, {Renegade}.]
1. The act of denying; assertion of the nonreality or
untruthfulness of anything; declaration that something is
not, or has not been, or will not be; denial; -- the
opposite of {affirmation}.
Our assertions and negations should be yea and nay.
--Rogers.
2. (Logic) Description or definition by denial, exclusion, or
exception; statement of what a thing is not, or has not,
from which may be inferred what it is or has.
Negative \Neg"a*tive\, a. [F. n['e]gatif, L. negativus, fr.
negare to deny. See {Negation}.]
1. Denying; implying, containing, or asserting denial,
negation or refusal; returning the answer no to an inquiry
or request; refusing assent; as, a negative answer; a
negative opinion; -- opposed to {affirmative}.
If thou wilt confess, Or else be impudently
negative. --Shak.
Denying me any power of a negative voice. --Eikon
Basilike.
Something between an affirmative bow and a negative
shake. --Dickens.
2. Not positive; without affirmative statement or
demonstration; indirect; consisting in the absence of
something; privative; as, a negative argument; a negative
morality; negative criticism.
There in another way of denying Christ, . . . which
is negative, when we do not acknowledge and confess
him. --South.
3. (Logic) Asserting absence of connection between a subject
and a predicate; as, a negative proposition.
4. (Photog.) Of or pertaining to a picture upon glass or
other material, in which the lights and shades of the
original, and the relations of right and left, are
reversed.
5. (Chem.) Metalloidal; nonmetallic; -- contracted with
positive or basic; as, the nitro group is negative.
Note: This word, derived from electro-negative, is now
commonly used in a more general sense, when acidiferous
is the intended signification.
{Negative crystal}.
(a) A cavity in a mineral mass, having the form of a
crystal.
(b) A crystal which has the power of negative double
refraction. See {refraction}.
{negative electricity} (Elec.), the kind of electricity which
is developed upon resin or ebonite when rubbed, or which
appears at that pole of a voltaic battery which is
connected with the plate most attacked by the exciting
liquid; -- formerly called {resinous electricity}. Opposed
to {positive electricity}. Formerly, according to
Franklin's theory of a single electric fluid, negative
electricity was supposed to be electricity in a degree
below saturation, or the natural amount for a given body.
see {Electricity}.
{Negative eyepiece}. (Opt.) see under {Eyepiece}.
{Negative quantity} (Alg.), a quantity preceded by the
negative sign, or which stands in the relation indicated
by this sign to some other quantity. See {Negative sign}
(below).
{Negative rotation}, right-handed rotation. See
{Right-handed}, 3.
{Negative sign}, the sign -, or {minus} (opposed in
signification to +, or {plus}), indicating that the
quantity to which it is prefixed is to be subtracted from
the preceding quantity, or is to be reckoned from zero or
cipher in the opposite direction to that of quanties
having the sign plus either expressed or understood; thus,
in a - b, b is to be substracted from a, or regarded as
opposite to it in value; and -10[deg] on a thermometer
means 10[deg] below the zero of the scale.
Negative \Neg"a*tive\, n. [Cf. F. n['e]gative.]
1. A proposition by which something is denied or forbidden; a
conception or term formed by prefixing the negative
particle to one which is positive; an opposite or
contradictory term or conception.
This is a known rule in divinity, that there is no
command that runs in negatives but couches under it
a positive duty. --South.
2. A word used in denial or refusal; as, not, no.
Note: In Old England two or more negatives were often joined
together for the sake of emphasis, whereas now such
expressions are considered ungrammatical, being chiefly
heard in iliterate speech. A double negative is now
sometimes used as nearly or quite equivalent to an
affirmative.
No wine ne drank she, neither white nor red.
--Chaucer.
These eyes that never did nor never shall So much
as frown on you. --Shak.
3. The refusal or withholding of assents; veto.
If a kind without his kingdom be, in a civil sense,
nothing, then . . . his negative is as good as
nothing. --Milton.
4. That side of a question which denies or refuses, or which
is taken by an opposing or denying party; the relation or
position of denial or opposition; as, the question was
decided in the negative.
5. (Photog.) A picture upon glass or other material, in which
the light portions of the original are represented in some
opaque material (usually reduced silver), and the dark
portions by the uncovered and transparent or
semitransparent ground of the picture.
Note: A negative is chiefly used for producing photographs by
means of the sun's light passing through it and acting
upon sensitized paper, thus producing on the paper a
positive picture.
6. (Elect.) The negative plate of a voltaic or electrolytic
cell.
{Negative pregnant} (Law), a negation which implies an
affirmation.
Negative \Neg"a*tive\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Negatived}; p. pr. &
vb. n. {Negativing}.]
1. To prove unreal or intrue; to disprove.
The omission or infrequency of such recitals does
not negative the existence of miracles. --Paley.
2. To reject by vote; to refuse to enact or sanction; as, the
Senate negatived the bill.
3. To neutralize the force of; to counteract.
Negatively \Neg"a*tive*ly\, adv.
1. In a negative manner; with or by denial. ``He answered
negatively.'' --Boyle.
2. In the form of speech implying the absence of something;
-- opposed to {positively}.
I shall show what this image of God in man is,
negatively, by showing wherein it does not consist,
and positively, by showing wherein it does consist.
--South.
{Negatively} {charged or electrified} (Elec.), having a
charge of the kind of electricity called negative.
Negativeness \Neg"a*tive*ness\, Negativity \Neg`a*tiv"i*ty\, n.
The quality or state of being negative.
Negatory \Neg"a*to*ry\, a. [L. negatorius: cf. F. n['e]gatorie.]
Expressing denial; belonging to negation; negative.
--Carlyle.
Neginoth \Neg"i*noth\, n. pl. [Heb. n[e^]g[=i]n[=o]th.]
(Script.)
Stringed instruments. --Dr. W. Smith.
To the chief musician on Neginoth. --Ps. iv.
9heading).
Neglect \Neg*lect"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Neglected}; p. pr. &
vb. n. {Neglecting}.] [L. neglectus, p. p. of neglegere
(negligere) to disregard, neglect, the literal sense prob.
neing, not to pick up; nec not, nor (fr. ne not + -que, a
particle akin to Goth. -h, -uh, and prob. to E. who; cf.
Goth. nih nor) + L. legere to pick up, gather. See {No},
adv., {Legend}, {Who}.]
1. Not to attend to with due care or attention; to forbear
one's duty in regard to; to suffer to pass unimproved,
unheeded, undone, etc.; to omit; to disregard; to slight;
as, to neglect duty or business; to neglect to pay debts.
I hope My absence doth neglect no great designs.
--Shak.
This, my long suffering and my day of grace, Those
who neglect and scorn shall never taste. --Milton.
2. To omit to notice; to forbear to treat with attention or
respect; to slight; as, to neglect strangers.
Syn: To slight; overlook; disregard; disesteem; contemn. See
{Slight}.
Neglect \Neg*lect"\, n. [L. neglectus. See {Neglect}, v.]
1. Omission of proper attention; avoidance or disregard of
duty, from heedlessness, indifference, or willfulness;
failure to do, use, or heed anything; culpable disregard;
as, neglect of business, of health, of economy.
To tell thee sadly, shepherd, without blame, Or our
neglect, we lost her as we came. --Milton.
2. Omission if attention or civilities; slight; as, neglect
of strangers.
3. Habitual carelessness; negligence.
Age breeds neglect in all. --Denham.
4. The state of being disregarded, slighted, or neglected.
Rescue my poor remains from vile neglect. --Prior.
Syn: Negligence; inattention; disregard; disesteem;
remissness; indifference. See {Negligence}.
Neglectedness \Neg*lect"ed*ness\, n.
The state of being neglected.
Neglecter \Neg*lect"er\, n.
One who neglects. --South.
Neglectful \Neg*lect"ful\, a.
Full of neglect; heedless; careless; negligent; inattentive;
indifferent. --Pope.
A cold and neglectful countenance. --Locke.
Though the Romans had no great genius for trade, yet
they were not entirely neglectful of it. --Arbuthnot.
-- {Neg*lect"ful*ly}, adv. -- {Neg*lect"ful*ness}, n.
Neglectingly \Neg*lect"ing*ly\, adv.
Carelessly; heedlessly. --Shak.
Neglection \Neg*lec"tion\, n. [L. neglectio.]
The state of being negligent; negligence. [Obs.] --Shak.
Neglective \Neg*lect"ive\, a.
Neglectful. [R.] ``Neglective of their own children.''
--Fuller.
Negligee \Neg`li*gee"\, n. [F. n['e]glig['e], fr. n['e]gliger to
neglect, L. negligere. See {Neglect}.]
An easy, unceremonious attire; undress; also, a kind of easy
robe or dressing gown worn by women.
Negligence \Neg"li*gence\, n. [F. n['e]gligence, L.
negligentia.]
The quality or state of being negligent; lack of due
diligence or care; omission of duty; habitual neglect;
heedlessness.
2. An act or instance of negligence or carelessness.
remarking his beauties, . . . I must also point out
his negligences and defects. --Blair.
3. (Law) The omission of the care usual under the
circumstances, being convertible with the Roman culpa. A
specialist is bound to higher skill and diligence in his
specialty than one who is not a specialist, and liability
for negligence varies acordingly.
{Contributory negligence}. See under {Contributory}.
Syn: Neglect; inattention; heedlessness; disregard; slight.
Usage: {Negligence}, {Neglect}. These two words are freely
interchanged in our older writers; but a distinction
has gradually sprung up between them. As now generally
used, negligence is the habit, and neglect the act, of
leaving things undone or unattended to. We are
negligent as a general trait of character; we are
guilty of neglect in particular cases, or in reference
to individuals who had a right to our attentions.
Negligent \Neg"li*gent\, a. [F. n['e]gligent, L. negligens,p.
pr. of negligere. See {Neglect}.]
Apt to neglect; customarily neglectful; characterized by
negligence; careless; heedless; culpably careless; showing
lack of attention; as, disposed in negligent order. ``Be thou
negligent of fame.'' --Swift.
He that thinks he can afford to be negligent is not far
from being poor. --Rambler.
Syn: Careles; heedless; neglectful; regardless; thoughtless;
indifferent; inattentive; remiss.
Negligently \Neg"li*gent*ly\, adv.
In a negligent manner.
Negligible \Neg"li*gi*ble\, a. [Cf. F. n['e]gligible,
n['e]gligeable.]
That may neglicted, disregarded, or left out of
consideration.
Within very negligible limits of error. --Sir J.
Herschel.
Negoce \Ne*goce"\, n. [F. n['e]goce. See {Negotiate}.]
Business; occupation. [Obs.] --Bentley.
Negotiability \Ne*go`ti*a*bil"i*ty\ (? or ?), n. [Cf. F.
n['e]gociabilit['e].]
The quality of being negotiable or transferable by
indorsement.
Negotiable \Ne*go"ti*a*ble\ (? or ?), a. [Cf. F. n['e]gotiable.
See {Negotiate}.]
Capable of being negotiated; transferable by assigment or
indorsement to another person; as, a negotiable note or bill
of exchange.
{Negotiable paper}, any commercial paper transferable by sale
or delivery and indorsement, as bills of exchange, drafts,
checks, and promissory notes.
Negotiant \Ne*go"ti*ant\, n. [L. negotians, prop. p. pr. of
negotiari: cf. F. n['e]gociant.]
A negotiator. [R.] --Sir W. Raleigh.
Negotiate \Ne*go"ti*ate\, v. i. [L. negotiatus, p. p. of
negotiari, fr. negotium business; nec not + otium leisure.
Cf. {Neglect}.]
1. To transact business; to carry on trade. [Obs.] --Hammond.
2. To treat with another respecting purchase and sale or some
business affair; to bargain or trade; as, to negotiate
with a man for the purchase of goods or a farm.
3. To hold intercourse respecting a treaty, league, or
convention; to treat with, respecting peace or commerce;
to conduct communications or conferences.
He that negotiates between God and man Is God's
ambassador. --Cowper.
4. To intrigue; to scheme. [Obs.] --Bacon.
Negotiate \Ne*go"ti*ate\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Negotiated}; p.
pr. & vb. n. {Negotiating}.]
1. To carry on negotiations concerning; to procure or arrange
for by negotiation; as, to negotiate peace, or an
exchange.
Constantinople had negotiated in the isles of the
Archipelago . . . the most indispensable supplies.
--Gibbon.
2. To transfer for a valuable consideration under rules of
commercial law; to sell; to pass.
The notes were not negotiated to them in the usual
course of business or trade. --Kent.
Negotiation \Ne*go`ti*a"tion\, n. [L. negotiatio: cf. F.
n['e]gociation.]
1. The act or process of negotiating; a treating with another
respecting sale or purchase. etc.
2. Hence, mercantile business; trading. [Obs.]
Who had lost, with these prizes, forty thousand
pounds, after twenty years' negotiation in the East
Indies. --Evelyn.
3. The transaction of business between nations; the mutual
intercourse of governments by diplomatic agents, in making
treaties, composing difference, etc.; as, the negotiations
at Ghent.
An important negotiation with foreign powers.
--Macaulay.
Negotiator \Ne*go"ti*a`tor\, n. [L.: cf. F. n['e]gociateur.]
One who negotiates; a person who treats with others, either
as principal or agent, in respect to purchase and sale, or
public compacts.
Negotiatory \Ne*go"ti*a*to*ry\ (? or ?), a.
Of or pertaining to negotiation.
Negotiatrix \Ne*go`ti*a"trix\, n. [L.]
A woman who negotiates. --Miss Edgeworth.
Negotiosity \Ne*go`ti*os"i*ty\, n. [L. negotiositas.]
The state of being busy; multitude of business. [Obs.]
Negotious \Ne*go"tious\, a. [L. negotiosus.]
Very busy; attentive to business; active. [R.] --D. Rogers.
Negotiousness \Ne*go"tious*ness\, n.
The state of being busily occupied; activity. [R.] --D.
Rogers.
Negress \Ne"gress\, n.; pl. {Negresses}. [Cf. F. n['e]grese,
fem. of n['e]gre a negro. See {Negro}.]
A black woman; a female negro.
Negrita \Ne*gri"ta\, n. [Sp., blackish, fem. of negrito, dim. of
negro black.] (Zo["o]l.)
A blackish fish ({Hypoplectrus nigricans}), of the Sea-bass
family. It is a native of the West Indies and Florida.
Negritic \Ne*grit"ic\, a.
Of or pertaining to negroes; composed of negroes. --Keary.
Negritos \Ne*gri"tos\, n. pl.; sing {Negrito}. [Sp., dim. of
negro black.] (Ethnol.)
A degraded Papuan race, inhabiting Luzon and some of the
other east Indian Islands. They resemble negroes, but are
smaller in size. They are mostly nomads.
Negro \Ne"gro\, n.; pl. {Negroes}. [Sp. or Pg. negro, fr. negro
black, L. niger; perh. akin to E. night.]
A black man; especially, one of a race of black or very dark
persons who inhabit the greater part of tropical Africa, and
are distinguished by crisped or curly hair, flat noses, and
thick protruding lips; also, any black person of unmixed
African blood, wherever found.
Negro \Ne"gro\, a.
Of or pertaining to negroes; black.
{Negro bug} (Zo["o]l.), a minute black bug common on the
raspberry and blackberry. It produced a very disagreeable
flavor.
{negro corn}, the Indian millet or durra; -- so called in the
West Indies. see {Durra}. --McElrath.
{Negro fly} (Zo["o]l.), a black dipterous fly ({Psila
ros[ae]}) which, in the larval state, is injurious to
carrots; -- called also {carrot fly}.
{Negro head} (Com.), Cavendish tobacco. [Cant] --McElrath.
{Negro monkey} (Zo["o]l.), the moor monkey.
Negroid \Ne"groid\, a. [Negro + -oid.]
1. Characteristic of the negro.
2. Resembling the negro or negroes; of or pertaining to those
who resemble the negro.
Negroloid \Ne"gro*loid\, a.
See {Negroid}.
Negus \Ne"gus\, n.
A beverage made of wine, water, sugar, nutmeg, and lemon
juice; -- so called, it is said, from its first maker,
Colonel Negus.
Nehiloth \Ne"hi*loth\, n. pl. [Heb.] (Script.)
A term supposed to mean, perforated wind instruments of
music, as pipes or flutes. --Ps. v. (heading).
Nehushtan \Ne*hush"tan\, n. [Heb.]
A thing of brass; -- the name under which the Israelites
worshiped the brazen serpent made by Moses. --2 Kings xviii.
4.
Neif \Neif\, Neife \Neife\ (n[=e]f), n. [OF. ne["i]f, na["i]f, a
born serf, fr. L. nativus born, imparted by birth. See
{Native}.]
A woman born in the state of villeinage; a female serf.
--Blackstone.
Neif \Neif\, Neaf \Neaf\ (n[=e]f), n. [Icel. hnefi; akin to Dan.
n[ae]ve, Sw. n["a]fve.]
The fist. [Obs.] ``I kiss thy neif.'' ``Give me your neaf.''
--Shak.
Neigh \Neigh\ (n[=a]), v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Neighed} (n[=a]d);
p. pr. & vb. n. {Neighing}.] [OE. neien, AS. hn[=ae]gan,
prob. of imitative origin; cf. MHG. n[=e]gen, Icel. hneggja,
gneggja, Sw. gn["a]gga. Cf. {Nag} a horse.]
1. To utter the cry of the horse; to whinny.
2. To scoff or sneer; to jeer. [Obs.]
Neighed at his nakedness. --Beau. & Fl.
Neigh \Neigh\, n.
The cry of a horse; a whinny.
Neighbor \Neigh"bor\ (n[=a]"b[~e]r), n. [OE. neighebour, AS.
ne['a]hgeb[=u]r; ne['a]h nigh + geb[=u]r a dweller, farmer;
akin to D. nabuur, G. nachbar, OHG. n[=a]hgib[=u]r. See
{Nigh}, and {Boor}.] [Spelt also {neighbour}.]
1. A person who lives near another; one whose abode is not
far off. --Chaucer.
Masters, my good friends, mine honest neighbors.
--Shak.
2. One who is near in sympathy or confidence.
Buckingham No more shall be the neighbor to my
counsel. --Shak.
3. One entitled to, or exhibiting, neighborly kindness;
hence, one of the human race; a fellow being.
Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was
neighbor unto him that fell among the thieves?
--Luke x. 36.
The gospel allows no such term as ``stranger;''
makes every man my neighbor. --South.
Neighbor \Neigh"bor\, a.
Near to another; adjoining; adjacent; next; neighboring.
``The neighbor cities.'' --Jer. l. 40. ``The neighbor room.''
--Shak.
neighbor \neigh"bor\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Neighbored}; p. pr. &
vb. n {Neighboring}.]
1. To adjoin; to border on; tobe near to.
Leisurely ascending hills that neighbor the shore.
--Sandys.
2. To associate intimately with. [Obs.] --Shak.
Neighbor \Neigh"bor\, v. i.
To dwell in the vicinity; to be a neighbor, or in the
neighborhood; to be near. [Obs.]
A copse that neighbors by. --Shak.
Neighborhood \Neigh"bor*hood\, n. [Written also neighbourhood.]
1. The quality or condition of being a neighbor; the state of
being or dwelling near; proximity.
Then the prison and the palace were in awful
neighborhood. --Ld. Lytton.
2. A place near; vicinity; adjoining district; a region the
inhabitants of which may be counted as neighbors; as, he
lives in my neighborhood.
3. The inhabitants who live in the vicinity of each other;
as, the fire alarmed all the neiborhood.
4. The disposition becoming a neighbor; neighborly kindness
or good will. [Obs.] --Jer. Taylor.
Syn: Vicinity; vicinaty; proximity.
Usage: {Neighborhood}, {Vicinity}. Neigborhood is
Anglo-Saxon, and vicinity is Latin. Vicinity does not
commonly denote so close a connection as neighborhood.
A neigborhood is a more immediately vicinity. The
houses immediately adjoining a square are in the
neighborhood of that square; those which are somewhat
further removed are also in the vicinity of the
square.
Neighboring \Neigh"bor*ing\, a.
Living or being near; adjacent; as, the neighboring nations
or countries.
Neighborliness \Neigh"bor*li*ness\, n.
The quality or state of being neighborly.
Neighborly \Neigh"bor*ly\, a. [Also written neighbourly.]
Apropriate to the relation of neighbors; having frequent or
familiar intercourse; kind; civil; social; friendly. -- adv.
In a neigborly manner.
Judge if this be neighborly dealing. --Arbuthnot.
Neighborship \Neigh"bor*ship\, n.
The state of being neighbors. [R.] --J. Bailie.
Neishout \Neis"hout\, n. [From D. niezen to sneeze + hout wood.]
(Bot.)
The mahogany-like wood of the South African tree Pteroxylon
utile, the sawdust of which causes violent sneezing (whence
the name). Also called sneezewood.
Neither \Nei"ther\ (? or ?; 277), a. [OE. neiter, nother,
nouther, AS. n[=a]w?er, n[=a]hw[ae]?er; n[=a] never, not +
hw[ae]?er whether. The word has followed the form of either.
See {No}, and {Whether}, and cf. {Neuter}, {Nor}.]
Not either; not the one or the other.
Which of them shall I take? Both? one? or neither?
Neither can be enjoyed, If both remain alive. --Shak.
He neither loves, Nor either cares for him. --Shak.
Neither \Nei"ther\, conj.
not either; generally used to introduce the first of two or
more co["o]rdinate clauses of which those that follow begin
with nor.
Fight neither with small nor great, save only with the
king. --1 Kings
xxii. 31.
Hadst thou been firm and fixed in thy dissent, Neither
had I transgressed, nor thou with me. --Milton.
When she put it on, she made me vow That I should
neither sell, nor give, nor lose it. --Shak.
Note: Neither was formerly often used where we now use nor.
``For neither circumcision, neither uncircumcision is
anything at all.'' --Tyndale. ``Ye shall not eat of it,
neither shall ye touch it.'' --Gen. iii. 3. Neither is
sometimes used colloquially at the end of a clause to
enforce a foregoing negative (nor, not, no). ``He is
very tall, but not too tall neither.'' --Addison. '' `I
care not for his thrust' `No, nor I neither.''' --Shak.
{Not so neither}, by no means. [Obs.] --Shak.
Nelumbo \Ne*lum"bo\, n. [Ceylonese word.] (Bot.)
A genus of great water lilies. The North American species is
{Nelumbo lutea}, the Asiatic is the sacred lotus, {N.
speciosa}. [Written also {Nelumbium}.]
Nemaline \Nem"a*line\, a. [L. nema thread, gr. ?, fr. ? to
spin.] (Min.)
Having the form of threads; fibrous.
Nemalite \Nem"a*lite\, n. [Gr. ? thread + -lite: cf. F.
n['e]malite.] (Min.)
A fibrous variety of brucite.
Nematelmia \Nem`a*tel"mi*a\, n. pl. [NL.] (Zo["o]l.)
Same as {Nemathelminthes}.
Nemathecium \Nem`a*the"ci*um\ (? or ?), n.; pl. {Nemathecia}.
[NL., fr. gr. ? a thread + ? a box.] (Bot.)
A peculiar kind of fructification on certain red alg[ae],
consisting of an external mass of filaments at length
separating into tetraspores.
Nemthelminthes \Nem`thel*min"thes\, Nematelminthes
\Nem`a*tel*min"thes\, n. pl. [NL. See {Nemato-}, and
{Helminthes}.] (Zo["o]l.)
An ordr of helminths, including the Nematoidea and Gordiacea;
the roundworms. [Written also {Nematelminthea}.]
Nemato- \Nem"a*to-\
A combining form from Gr. nh^ma, nh`matos, a thread.
Nematoblast \Nem"a*to*blast\, n. [Nemato- + -blast.] (Biol.)
A spermatocyte or spermoblast.
Nematocalyx \Nem`a*to*ca"lyx\, n.; pl. {Nematocalyces}, E.
-{calyxes}. [NL. See {Nemato-}, and {Calyx}.] (Zo["o]l.)
One of a peculiar kind of cups, or calicles, found upon
hydroids of the family {Plumularid[ae]}. They contain
nematocysts. See {Plumularia}.
Nematocera \Nem`a*toc"e*ra\, n. pl. [NL., fr. Gr. ?, ?, a thread
+ ke`ras horn.] (Zo["o]l.)
A suborder of dipterous insects, having long antenn[ae], as
the mosquito, gnat, and crane fly; -- called also {Nemocera}.
Nematocyst \Nem"a*to*cyst\, n. [Nemato- + cyst.] (Zo["o]l.)
A lasso cell, or thread cell. See {Lasso cell}, under
{Lasso}.
Nematode \Nem"a*tode\, a. & n. (Zo["o]l.)
Same as {Nematoid}.
Nematogene \Nem"a*to*gene\, n. [Nemato- + root of Gr. ? to be
born.] (Zo["o]l.)
One of the dimorphic forms of the species of Dicyemata, which
produced vermiform embryos; -- opposed to {rhombogene}.
Nematognath \Nem`a*tog"nath\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
one of the Nematognathi.
Nematognathi \Nem`a*tog"na*thi\, n. pl. [NL. See {nemato-}, and
{Gnathic}.] (Zo["o]l.)
An order of fishes having barbels on the jaws. It includes
the catfishes, or siluroids. See {Siluroid}.
Nematoid \Nem"a*toid\, a. [Nemato- + -oid.] (Zo["o]l.)
Of or pertaining to the Nematoidea. -- n. One of the
Nematoidea. see Illustration in Appendix.
Nematoidea \Nem`a*toi"de*a\, n. pl. [NL., fr. gr. ?, ?, thread +
-oid.] (Zo["o]l.)
An order of worms, having a long, round, and generally smooth
body; the roundworms. they are mostly parasites. Called also
{Nematodea}, and {Nematoda}.
Note: The trichina, stomach worm, and pinworm of man belong
to this group. See also {Vinegar eel}, under {Vinegar},
and {Gapeworm}.
Nematoidean \Nem`a*toid"e*an\, a. & n. (Zo["o]l.)
Nematoid.
Nematophora \Nem`a*toph"o*ra\, n. pl. [NL., fr. gr. ?, ?, a
thread + ? to bear.] (Zo["o]l.)
Same as {C[oe]lenterata}.
Nemean \Ne"me*an\ (?; 277), a. [L. Nemeus, fr. Nemea, Ge. ?.]
Of or pertaining to Nemea, in Argolis, where the ancient
Greeks celebrated games, and Hercules killed a lion.
Nemetean \Ne*me"te*an\, a. (Zo["o]l.)
Of or pertaining to the Nemertina. -- n. One of the
Nemertina.
Nemertes \Ne*mer"tes\, n. [NL., fr. gr. ? unerring.] (Zo["o]l.)
A genus of nemertina.
Nemertian \Ne*mer"ti*an\, a. & n. (Zo["o]l.)
Nemertean.
Nemertid \Ne*mer"tid\, a. & n. (Zo["o]l.)
Nemertean.
Nemertida \Ne*mer"ti*da\, n. pl. [NL.] (Zo["o]l.)
Nemertina.
Nemertina \Nem`er*ti"na\, n. pl. [NL. See {Nemrtes}.] (Zo["o]l.)
An order of helminths usually having a long, slender, smooth,
often bright-colored body, covered with minute vibrating
cilia; -- called also {Nemertea}, {Nemertida}, and
{Rhynchoc[oe]la}.
Note: The mouth is beneath the head, and the straight
intestine at the posterior and. They have a very
singular long tubular proboscis, which can be everted
from a pore in the front of the head. Their nervous
system and blood vessels are well developed. Some of
the species become over one hundred feet long. They are
mostly marine and seldom parasitic; a few inhabit fresh
water. the two principal divisions are Anopla and
Enopla.
Nemesis \Nem"e*sis\, n. [L., fr. gr. ?, orig., distribution, fr.
? to distribute. See {Nomad}.] (Class. Myth.)
The goddess of retribution or vengeance; hence, retributive
justice personified; divine vengeance.
This is that ancient doctrine of nemesis who keeps
watch in the universe, and lets no offense go
unchastised. --Emerson.
Nemophilist \Ne*moph"i*list\, n. [See {Nemophily}.]
One who is fond of forest or forest scenery; a haunter of the
woods. [R.]
Nemophily \Ne*moph"i*ly\, n. [Gr. ? wooded pasture, glade + ? to
love.]
Fondness for forest scenery; love of the woods. [R.]
Nemoral \Nem"o*ral\, a. [L. nemoralis, fr. nemus, nemoris, a
wood or grove: cf. F. n['e]moral.]
Of or pertaining to a wood or grove. [R.]
Nemorous \Nem"o*rous\, a. [L. nemorosus.]
Woody. [R.]
Paradise itself was but a kind of nemorous temple.
--Evelyn.
Nempne \Nemp"ne\, v. t. [AS. nemnan to name or call. See {Name},
v.]
To name or call. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Nempt \Nempt\, p. p. of {Nempne}.
Called; named. [Obs.]
Nems \Nems\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
The ichneumon.
Nenia \Ne"ni*a\, n. [L. nenia, naenia.]
A funeral song; an elegy.
Nenuphar \Nen"u*phar\, n. [F. n['e]nufar: cf. Sp. nen['u]far,
It. nenuf['a]r; all fr. Per. n[=i]l?far.] (Bot.)
The great white water lily of Europe; the {Nymph[ae]a alba}.
Neo- \Ne"o-\ [Gr. ? youthful, new. See {New}.]
A prefix meaning new, recent, late; and in chemistry
designating specifically that variety of metameric
hydrocarbons which, when the name was applied, had been
recently classified, and in which at least one carbon atom in
connected directly with four other carbon atoms; --
contrasted with normal and iso-; as, neopentane; the
neoparaffins. Also used adjectively.
Neocarida \Ne`o*car"i*da\, n. pl. [NL., fr. gr. ? new + ?, ?, a
kind of crustacean.] (Zo["o]l.)
The modern, or true, Crustacea, as distinguished from the
Merostomata.
Neocene \Ne"o*cene\, a. [Neo- + Gr. ? new.] (Geol.)
More recent than the Eocene, that is, including both the
Miocene and Pliocene divisions of the Tertiary.
Neo-Christianity \Ne`o-Chris*tian"i*ty\ (? or ?), n. [Neo- +
Christianity.]
Rationalism.
Neocomian \Ne`o*co"mi*an\, n. [From Neocomium, the Latin name of
Neuchatel, in Switzerland, where these rocks occur.] (Geol.)
A term applied to the lowest deposits of the Cretaceous or
chalk formation of Europe, being the lower greensand.
Neocomian \Ne`o*co"mi*an\, a. (Geol.)
Of or pertaining to the lower greensand.
Neocosmic \Ne`o*cos"mic\, a. [Neo- + cosmic.]
Of or pertaining to the universe in its present state;
specifically, pertaining to the races of men known to
history.
Neocracy \Ne*oc"ra*cy\, n. [Neo-+ -cracy, as in aristocracy.]
Government by new or inexperienced hands; upstart rule; raw
or untried officials.
Neodamode \Ne*od"a*mode\, n. [Gr. ?; ? new + ?, dh`mos, the
people + ? shape.]
In ancient Sparta, one of those Helots who were freed by the
state in reward for military service. --Milford.
Neodymium \Ne`o*dym"i*um\, n. [NL. Dee {Neo-}, and {Didymium}.]
(Chem.)
An elementary substance which forms one of the constituents
of didymium. Symbol Nd. Atomic weight 140.8.
Neogaean \Ne`o*g[ae]"an\, a. [Neo- + Gr. ? earth.] (Zo["o]l.)
Of or pertaining to the New World, or Western Hemisphere.
Neogamist \Ne*og"a*mist\, n. [Gr. ? newly married.]
A person recently married.
Neogen \Ne"o*gen\, n. [Neo- + -gen.] (Chem.)
An alloy resembling silver, and consisting chiefly of copper,
zinc, and nickel, with small proportions of tin, aluminium,
and bismuth. --Ure.
Neography \Ne*og"ra*phy\, n. [Neo- + -graphy.]
A new method or system of writing.
Neo-Latin \Ne`o-Lat"in\, a. [Neo- + Latin.]
Applied to the Romance languages, as being mostly of Latin
origin.
Neolithic \Ne`o*lith"ic\, a. [Neo- + -lith + -ic.] (Arch[ae]ol.
& Geol.)
Of or pertaining to, or designating, an era characterized by
late remains in stone.
The Neolithic era includes the latter half of the
``Stone age;'' the human relics which belong to it are
associated with the remains of animals not yet extinct.
The kitchen middens of Denmark, the lake dwellings of
Switzerland, and the stockaded islands, or
``crannogs,'' of the British Isles, belong to this era.
--Lubbock.
Neologian \Ne`o*lo*gi*an\, a.
Neologic; neological.
Neologian \Ne`o*lo"gi*an\, n.
A neologist.
Neologianism \Ne`o*lo"gi*an*ism\, n.
Neologism.
Neologic \Ne`o*log"ic\, Neological \Ne`o*log"ic*al\, a. [Cf. F.
n['e]ologique.]
Of or pertaining to neology; employing new words; of the
nature of, or containing, new words or new doctrines.
A genteel neological dictionary. --Chesterfield.
Neologically \Ne`o*log"ic*al*ly\, adv.
In a neological manner.
Neologism \Ne*ol"o*gism\, n. [Cf. F. n['e]ologisme.]
1. The introduction of new words, or the use of old words in
a new sense. --Mrs. Browning.
2. A new word, phrase, or expression.
3. A new doctrine; specifically, rationalism.
Neologist \Ne*ol"o*gist\, n. [Cf. F. n['e]ologiste.]
1. One who introduces new words or new senses of old words
into a language.
2. An innovator in any doctrine or system of belief,
especially in theology; one who introduces or holds
doctrines subversive of supernatural or revealed religion;
a rationalist, so-called.
Neologistic \Ne*ol`o*gis"tic\, Neologistical
\Ne*ol`o*gis"tic*al\, a.
Of or pertaining to neology; neological.
Neologization \Ne*ol`o*gi*za"tion\, n.
The act or process of neologizing.
Neologize \Ne*ol"o*gize\, v. i.
1. To introduce or use new words or terms or new uses of old
words.
2. To introduce innovations in doctrine, esp. in theological
doctrine.
Neology \Ne*ol"o*gy\, n. [Neo- + -logy: cf. F. n['e]ologie.]
1. The introduction of a new word, or of words or
significations, into a language; as, the present
nomenclature of chemistry is a remarkable instance of
neology.
2. A new doctrine; esp. (Theol.), a doctrine at variance with
the received interpretation of revealed truth; a new
method of theological interpretation; rationalism.
Neomenia \Ne`o*me"ni*a\, n. [NL., fr. Gr. ?; ? new + ? month.]
The time of the new moon; the beginning of the month in the
lunar calendar.
Neomenoidea \Ne`o*me*noi"de*a\, n. pl. [NL., fr. Neomenia, a
representative genus (See {Neomenia}) + -oid.] (Zo["o]l.)
A division of vermiform gastropod mollusks, without a shell,
belonging to the Isopleura.
Neomorph \Ne"o*morph\, n. [Neo- + Gr. ? form.] (Biol.)
A structure, part, or organ developed independently, that is,
not derived from a similar structure, part, or organ, in a
pre existing form.
Neonism \Ne"o*nism\, n.
Neologism.
Neonomian \Ne`o*no"mi*an\, n. [Neo- + gr. ? law.]
One who advocates adheres to new laws; esp. one who holds or
believes that the gospel is a new law.
Neonomian \Ne`o*no"mi*an\, a.
Of or pertaining to the Neonomians, or in accordance with
their doctrines.
Neonomianism \Ne`o*no"mi*an*ism\, n.
The doctrines or belief of the neonomians.
Neophyte \Ne"o*phyte\, n. [L. neophytis, Gr. ?, prop., newly
planted; ? new + ? grown, ? that which has grown, a plant,
fr. ? to grow: cf. F. n['e]ophyte. See {New}, and {Be}.]
1. A new convert or proselyte; -- a name given by the early
Christians, and still given by the Roman Catholics, to
such as have recently embraced the Christian faith, and
been admitted to baptism, esp. to converts from heathenism
or Judaism.
2. A novice; a tyro; a beginner in anything.
Neoplasia \Ne`o*pla"si*a\, n. [NL., fr. gr. ? new + ? to form,
mold.] (Physiol. & Med.)
Growth or development of new material; neoplasty.
Neoplasm \Ne"o*plasm\, n. [See {Neoplasia}.] (Physiol. & Med.)
A new formation or tissue, the product of morbid action.
Neoplastic \Ne`o*plas"tic\, a. (Physiol. & Med.)
Of or pertaining to neoplasty, or neoplasia.
Neoplasty \Ne"o*plas`ty\, n. [See {Neoplasia}.] (Physiol. &
Med.)
Restoration of a part by granulation, adhesive inflammation,
or autoplasty.
Neoplatonic \Ne`o*pla"ton"ic\, a.
Of, pertaining to, or resembling, Neoplatonism or the
Neoplatonists.
Neoplatonician \Ne`o*pla`to*ni"cian\, n.
A neoplatonist.
Neoplatonism \Ne`o*pla"to*nism\, n. [Neo- + Platonism.]
A pantheistic eclectic school of philosophy, of which
Plotinus was the chief (A. D. 205-270), and which sought to
reconcile the Platonic and Aristotelian systems with Oriental
theosophy. It tended to mysticism and theurgy, and was the
last product of Greek philosophy.
Neoplatonist \Ne`o*pla"to*nist\, n.
One who held to Neoplatonism; a member of the Neoplatonic
school.
Neorama \Ne`o*ra"ma\ (? or ?), n. [Gr. ? temple + ? a view.]
A panorama of the interior of a building, seen from within.
Neossine \Ne*os"sine\, n. [Gr. neossia` a bird's nest.]
The substance constituting the edible bird's nest.
Neossology \Ne`os*sol"o*gy\, n. [Gr. ? a young bird + -logy.]
(Zo["o]l.)
The study of young birds.
Neoteric \Ne`o*ter"ic\, Neoterical \Ne`o*ter"ic*al\, a. [L.
neotericus, gr. ?, fr. ?, compar. of ? young, new.]
Recent in origin; modern; new. ``Our neoteric verbs.''
--Fitzed. Hall.
Some being ancient, others neoterical. --Bacon.
Neoteric \Ne`o*ter"ic\, n.
One of modern times; a modern.
Neoterically \Neo`ter"ic*al*ly\, adv.
Recently; newly.
Neoterism \Ne*ot"er*ism\, n. [Gr. ? innovation]
An innovation or novelty; a neoteric word or phrase.
Neoterist \Ne*ot"er*ist\, n.
One ho introduces new word? or phrases. --Fitzed Hall.
Neoterize \Ne*ot"er*ize\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Neoterized}; p.
pr. & vb. n. {Neoterized}.] [Gr. ? to innovate.]
To innovate; to coin or introduce new words.
Freely as we of the nineteenth century neoterize.
--fized. Hall.
Neotropical \Ne`o*trop"ic*al\, a. [Neo- + tropical.] (Geog. &
Zo["o]l.)
Belonging to, or designating, a region of the earth's surface
which comprises most of South America, the Antilles, and
tropical North America.
Neozoic \Ne`o*zo"ic\, a. [Neo- + Gr. ? life.] (Geol.)
More recent than the Paleozoic, -- that is, including the
Mesozoic and Cenozoic.
Nep \Nep\, n. [Abbrev. fr. Nepeta.] (Bot.)
Catnip.
Nepa \Ne"pa\, n. [L. nepa scorpion.] (Zo["o]l.)
A genus of aquatic hemipterus insects. The species feed upon
other insects and are noted for their voracity; -- called
also {scorpion bug} and {water scorpion}.
Nepaulese \Nep`au*lese"\ (? or ?), a.
Of or pertaining to Nepaul, a kingdom in Northern Hindostan.
-- n. sing. & pl. A native or natives of Nepaul.
Nepenthe \Ne*pen"the\, n. [Fr. Gr. ? removing all sorrow; hence,
an epithet of an Egyptian drug which lulled sorrow for the
day; ? not + ? sorrow, grief.]
A drug used by the ancients to give relief from pain and
sorrow; -- by some supposed to have been opium or hasheesh.
Hence, anything soothing and comforting.
Lulled with the sweet nepenthe of a court. --Pope.
Quaff, O quaff this kind nepenthe. --Poe.
Nepenthes \Ne*pen"thes\, n. [NL., fr. Gr. ?. See {Nepenthe}.]
1. Same as {Nepenthe}. --Milton.
2. (Bot.) A genus of climbing plants found in India, Malaya,
etc., which have the leaves prolonged into a kind of stout
tendril terminating in a pitcherlike appendage, whence the
plants are often called pitcher plants and monkey-cups.
There are about thirty species, of which the best known is
Nepenthes distillatoria. See {Pitcher plant}.
Nepeta \Nep"e*ta\, n. [L.] (Bot.)
A genus of labiate plants, including the catnip and ground
ivy.
Nephalism \Neph"a*lism\, n. [Gr. ? soberness, fr. ? sober, ? to
drink no wine: cf. F. n['e]phalisme.]
Total abstinence from spirituous liquor.
Nephalist \Neph"a*list\, n. [Cf. F. n['e]phaliste.]
One who advocates or practices nephalism.
Nepheline \Neph"e*line\, Nephelite \Neph"e*lite\, n. [gr. ?
cloud: cf. F. n['e]ph['e]line. Cf. {Nebula}.] (Min.)
A mineral occuring at Vesuvius, in glassy agonal crystals;
also elsewhere, in grayish or greenish masses having a greasy
luster, as the variety el[ae]olite. It is a silicate of
aluminia, soda, and potash.
Nephelodometer \Neph`e*lo*dom"e*ter\, n. [Gr. ? a cloud + ? way
+ -meter.] (Meteorol.)
An instrument for reckoning the distances or velocities of
clouds.
Nephelometer \Neph`e*lom"e*ter\, n. [Gr. ? a cloud + -meter.]
An instrument for measuring or registering the amount of
cloudiness.
Nephew \Neph"ew\ (n[e^]f"[-u]; in England n[e^]v"[-u]; 277), n.
[OE. neveu, nevou, nevu, fr. F. neveu, OF. also, nevou, L.
nepos; akin to AS. nefa, D. neef, G. neffe, OHG. nevo, Icel.
nefi a kinsman, gr. ne`podes, pl., brood, young, Skr.
nep[=a]t grandson, descendant. [root]262. Cf. {Niece},
{Nepotism}.]
1. A grandson or grandchild, or remoter lineal descendant.
[Obs.]
But if any widow have children or nephews [Rev. Ver.
{grandchildren}]. --1 Tim. v. 4.
If naturalists say true that nephews are often liker
to their grandfathers than to their fathers. --Jer.
Taylor.
2. A cousin. [Obs.] --Shak.
3. The son of a brother or a sister, or of a brother-in-law
or sister-in-law. --Chaucer.
Nephilim \Neph"i*lim\, n. pl. [Heb. n[e^]ph[=i]l[=i]m.]
Giants. --Gen. vi. 4. Num. xiii. 33.
Nephoscope \Neph"o*scope\, n. [Gr. ? a cloud + -scope.]
(Meteorol.)
An instrument for observing the clouds and their velocity.
Nephralgia \Ne*phral"gi*a\, Nephralgy \Ne*phral"gy\, n. [NL.
nephralgia, fr. Gr. ? a kidney + ? pain: cf. F.
n['e]phralgie.] (Med.)
Neuralgia of the kidneys; a disease characterized by pain in
the region of the kidneys without any structural lesion of
the latter. --Quain.
Nephridial \Ne*phrid"i*al\, a. (Zo["o]l. & Anat.)
Of or pertaining to a nephridium.
Nephridium \Ne*phrid"i*um\, n.; pl. {Nephridia}. [NL., fr. gr. ?
of the kidneys.] (Zo["o]l. & Anat.)
A segmental tubule; one of the tubules of the primitive
urinogenital organs; a segmental organ. See Illust. under
{Loeven's larva}.
Nephrite \Neph"rite\ (?; 277), n. [Cf. F. n['e]phrite. See
{Nephritis}.] (Min.)
A hard compact mineral, of a dark green color, formerly worn
as a remedy for diseases of the kidneys, whence its name;
kidney stone; a kind of jade. See {Jade}.
Nephritic \Ne*phrit"ic\, Nephritical \Ne*phrit"ic*al\, a. [L.
nephriticus, gr. ?: cf. F. n['e]phr['e]tique. See
{Nephritis}.]
1. Of or pertaining to the kidneys or urinary organs; renal;
as, a nephritic disease.
2. (Med.)
(a) Affected with a disease of the kidneys; as, a
nephritic patient.
(b) Relieving disorders of the kidneys; affecting the
kidneys; as, a nephritic medicine.
{Nephritic stone} (Min.), nephrite; jade. See {Nephrite}.
Nephritic \Ne*phrit"ic\, n. (Med.)
A medicine adapted to relieve or cure disease of the kidneys.
Nephritis \Ne*phri"tis\, n. [L., fr. gr. ? (sc. ?), fr. ? a
kidney.] (Med.)
An inflammation of the kidneys.
nephrolithic \neph`ro*lith"ic\, a. [Gr. ? a kidney + -lith +
ic.] (Med.)
Of or pertaining to gravel, or renal calculi. --Dunglison.
Nephrology \Ne*phrol"o*gy\, n. [Gr. ? a kidney + -logy.]
A treatise on, or the science which treats of, the kidneys,
and their structure and functions.
Nephrostome \Neph"ro*stome\, n. [Gr. ? a kidney + mouth.]
(Zo["o]l. & Anat.)
The funnelshaped opening of a nephridium into the body
cavity.
Nephrotomy \Ne*phrot"o*my\, n. [Gr. ? a kidney + ? to cut: cf.
F. n['e]phrotomie.] (Surg.)
Extraction of stone from the kidney by cutting.
Nepotal \Nep"o*tal\, a.
Of or relating to a nephew.
Nepotic \Ne*pot"ic\, a. [See {nepotism}.]
Of or pertaining to npotism.
The nepotic ambition of the ruling pontiff. --Milman.
Nepotism \Nep"o*tism\ (?; 277), n. [L. nepus, nepotus, nephew:
cf. F. n['e]potisme. See {Nephew}.]
Undue attachment to relations; favoritism shown to members of
one's family; bestowal of patronage in consideration of
relationship, rather than of merit or of legal claim.
From nepotism Alexander V. was safe; for he was without
kindred or relatives. But there was another perhaps
more fatal nepotism, which turned the tide of
popularity against him -- the nepotism of his order.
--Milman.
Nepotist \Nep"o*tist\, n.
One who practices nepotism.
Neptune \Nep"tune\, n. [L. Neptunus.]
1. (Rom. Myth.) The son of Saturn and Ops, the god of the
waters, especially of the sea. He is represented as
bearing a trident for a scepter.
2. (Astron.) The remotest known planet of our system,
discovered -- as a result of the computations of
Leverrier, of Paris -- by Galle, of Berlin, September 23,
1846. Its mean distance from the sun is about
2,775,000,000 miles, and its period of revolution is about
164,78 years.
{Neptune powder}, an explosive containing nitroglycerin, --
used in blasting.
{Neptune's cup} (Zo["o]l.), a very large, cup-shaped, marine
sponge ({Thalassema Neptuni}).
Neptunian \Nep*tu"ni*an\, a. [L. Neptunius belonging to Neptune:
cf. F. neptunien.]
1. Of or pertaining to the ocean or sea.
2. (Geol.) Formed by water or aqueous solution; as, Neptunian
rocks.
{Neptunian races} (Ethnol.), the Malay and Polynesian races.
{Neptunian theory} (Geol.), the theory of Werner, which
referred the formation of all rocks and strata to the
agency of water; -- opposed to the Plutonic theory.
Neptunian \Nep*tu"ni*an\, Neptunist \Nep"tu*nist\, n. [Cf. F.
neptinien, neptuniste.] (Geol.)
One who adopts the neptunian theory.
Neptunicentric \Nep*tu`ni*cen"tric\, a. [Neptune + centric.]
(Astron.)
As seen from Neptune, or having Neptune as a center; as,
Neptunicentric longitude or force.
Neptunium \Nep*tu"ni*um\, n. [NL.]
A new metallic element, of doubtful genuineness and uncertain
indentification, said to exist in certain minerals, as
columbite.
--Hermann.
Ner \Ner\, adv. & a.
nearer. [Obs.] See {Nerre}.
Nere \Nere\ [Contr. fr. ne were.]
Were not. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Nereid \Ne"re*id\, n.; pl. E. {Nereids}, L. {Nereides}. [L.
Nereis, -idis, gr. Nhrei:`s Nhrhi:`s, i:`dos, a daughter of
Nereus, a nymph of the sea, fr. Nhrey`s Nereus, an ancient
sea god; akin to nhro`s wet, Skr. n[=a]ra water, cf. Gr.
na`ein to flow.]
1. (Class. Myth.) A sea nymph, one of the daughters of
Nereus, who were attendants upon Neptune, and were
represented as riding on sea horses, sometimes with the
human form entire, and sometimes with the tail of a fish.
2. (Zo["o]l.) Any species of Nereis. The word is sometimes
used for similar annelids of other families.
Nereidian \Ne`re*id"i*an\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
Any annelid resembling Nereis, or of the family {Lycorid[ae]}
or allied families.
Nereis \Ne"re*is\ (? or ?), n.; pl. {Nereides}. [L.]
1. (Class. Myth.) A Nereid. See {Nereid}.
2. (Zo["o]l.) A genus, including numerous species, of marine
ch[ae]topod annelids, having a well-formed head, with two
pairs of eyes, antenn[ae], four pairs of tentacles, and a
protrusile pharynx, armed with a pair of hooked jaws.
Nereites \Ne"re*ites\, n. pl. (Paleon.)
Fossil tracks of annelids.
Nereocystis \Ne`re*o*cys"tis\, n. [NL. See {Nereid}, and
{Cyst}.] (Bot.)
A genus of gigantic seaweeds.
Note: {Nereocystis Lutkeana}, of the North Pacific, has a
stem many fathoms long, terminating in a great vesicle,
which is crowned with a tuft of long leaves. The stem
is used by the Alaskans for fishing lines.
Nerfling \Nerf"ling\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
The id.
Nerita \Ne*ri"ta\, n. [L., a sort of sea mussel, gr. ?, ?.]
(Zo["o]l.)
A genus of marine gastropods, mostly natives of warm
climates.
Nerite \Ner"ite\ (? or ?; 277), n. (Zo["o]l.)
Any mollusk of the genus Nerita.
Neritina \Ner`i*ti"na\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
A genus including numerous species of shells resembling
Nerita in form. They mostly inhabit brackish water, and are
often delicately tinted.
Nero \Ne"ro\, n.
A Roman emperor notorius for debauchery and barbarous
cruelty; hence, any profligate and cruel ruler or merciless
tyrant. -- {Ne*ro"ni*an}, a.
Neroli \Ner"o*li\, n. [F. n['e]roli, said to be from the name of
an Italian princess.] (Chem.)
An essential oil obtained by distillation from the flowers of
the orange. It has a strong odor, and is used in perfumery,
etc.
{Neroli camphor} (Chem.), a white crystalline waxy substance,
tasteless and odorless, obtained from beroli oil; --
called also {auradin}.
Nerre \Ner"re\, adv. & a. [See {Near}.]
Nearer. [Obs.] [Written also {neer}, {ner}.] --Chaucer.
{Never the neer}, never the nearer; no nearer. [Obs.]
Nervate \Nerv"ate\, a. (Bot.)
Nerved.
Nervation \Ner*va"tion\, n.
The arrangement of nerves and veins, especially those of
leaves; neuration.
The outlines of the fronds of ferns, and their
nervation, are frail characters if employed alone for
the determination of existing genera. --J. D.
Hooker.
Nerve \Nerve\, n. [OE. nerfe, F. nerf, L. nervus, akin to Gr. ?
sinew, nerve; cf. ? string, bowstring; perh. akin to E.
needle. Cf. {Neuralgia}.]
1. (Anat.) One of the whitish and elastic bundles of fibers,
with the accompanying tissues, which transmit nervous
impulses between nerve centers and various parts of the
animal body.
Note: An ordinary nerve is made up of several bundles of
nerve fibers, each bundle inclosed in a special sheath
(the perineurium) and all bound together in a
connective tissue sheath and framework (the epineurium)
containing blood vessels and lymphatics.
2. A sinew or a tendon. --Pope.
3. Physical force or steadiness; muscular power and control;
constitutional vigor.
he led me on to mightiest deeds, Above the nerve of
mortal arm. --Milton.
4. Steadiness and firmness of mind; self-command in personal
danger, or under suffering; unshaken courage and
endurance; coolness; pluck; resolution.
5. Audacity; assurance. [Slang]
6. (Bot.) One of the principal fibrovascular bundles or ribs
of a leaf, especially when these extend straight from the
base or the midrib of the leaf.
7. (Zo["o]l.) One of the nervures, or veins, in the wings of
insects.
{Nerve cell} (Anat.), one of the nucleated cells with which
nerve fibers are connected; a ganglion cell.
{Nerve fiber} (Anat.), one of the fibers of which nerves are
made up. These fibers are either {medullated} or
{nonmedullated}. in both kinds the essential part is the
translucent threadlike axis cylinder which is continuous
the whole length of the fiber.
{Nerve stretching} (Med.), the operation of stretching a
nerve in order to remedy diseases such as tetanus, which
are supposed to be influenced by the condition of the
nerve or its connections.
Nerve \Nerve\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Nerved}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Nerving}.]
To give strength or vigor to; to supply with force; as, fear
nerved his arm.
Nerved \Nerved\, a.
1. Having nerves of a special character; as, weak-nerved.
2. (Bot.) Having nerves, or simple and parallel ribs or
veins. --Gray.
Nerveless \Nerve"less\, a.
1. Destitute of nerves.
2. Destitute of strength or of courage; wanting vigor; weak;
powerless.
A kingless people for a nerveless state. --Byron.
Awaking, all nerveless, from an ugly dream.
--Hawthorne.
Nervelessness \Nerve"less*ness\, n.
The state of being nerveless.
Nerve-shaken \Nerve"-shak`en\, a.
Affected by a tremor, or by a nervous disease; weakened;
overcome by some violent influence or sensation; shoked.
Nervimotion \Ner`vi*mo"tion\, n. [Nerve + motion.] (Physiol.)
The movement caused in the sensory organs by external agents
and transmitted to the muscles by the nerves. --Dunglison.
Nervimotor \Ner`vi*mo"tor\, n. [Nerve + motor.] (Physiol.)
Any agent capable of causing nervimotion. --Dunglison.
Nervine \Nerv"ine\ (?; 277) a. [L. nervinus made of sinews:
cf.F. nervin. See {Nerve}.] (Med.)
Having the quality of acting upon or affecting the nerves;
quieting nervous excitement. -- n. A nervine agent.
Nervomuscular \Ner`vo*mus"cu*lar\, a. [Nerve + muscular.]
(Physiol.)
Of or pertaining to both nerves and muscles; of the nature of
nerves and muscles; as, nervomuscular energy.
Nervose \Ner*vose"\, a. [See {Nervous}.] (Bot.)
Same as {Nerved}.
Nervosity \Ner*vos"i*ty\, n. [L. nervositas strength.]
Nervousness. [R.]
Nervous \Nerv"ous\, a. [L. nervosus sinewy, vigorous: cf. F.
nerveux. See {Nerve}.]
1. possessing nerve; sinewy; strong; vigorous. ``Nervous
arms.'' --Pope.
2. Possessing or manifesting vigor of mind; characterized by
strength in sentiment or style; forcible; spirited; as, a
nervous writer.
3. Of or pertaining to the nerves; seated in the nerves; as,
nervous excitement; a nervous fever.
4. Having the nerves weak, diseased, or easily excited;
subject to, or suffering from, undue excitement of the
nerves; easily agitated or annoyed.
Poor, weak, nervous creatures. --Cheyne.
5. Sensitive; excitable; timid.
Our aristocratic class does not firmly protest against the
unfair treatment of Irish Catholics, because it is nervous
about the land. --M. Arnold.
{Nervous fever} (Med.), a low form of fever characterized by
great disturbance of the nervous system, as evinced by
delirium, or stupor, disordered sensibility, etc.
{Nervous system} (Anat.), the specialized co["o]rdinating
apparatus which endows animals with sensation and
volition. In vertebrates it is often divided into three
systems: the central, brain and spinal cord; the
peripheral, cranial and spinal nerves; and the
sympathetic. See {Brain}, {Nerve}, {Spinal cord}, under
{Spinal}, and {Sympathetic system}, under {Sympathetic},
and Illust. in Appendix.
{Nervous temperament}, a condition of body characterized by a
general predominance of mental manifestations. --Mayne.
Nervously \Nerv"ous*ly\, adv.
In a nervous manner.
Nervousness \Nerv"ous*ness\, n.
State or quality of being nervous.
Nervure \Nerv"ure\, n. [F. See {Nerve}.]
1. (Bot.) One of the nerves of leaves.
2. (Zo["o]l.) One of the chitinous supports, or veins, in the
wings of incests.
Nervy \Nerv"y\, a. [Compar. {Nervier}; superl. - {iest}.]
Strong; sinewy. ``His nervy knees.'' --Keats.
Nescience \Nes"cience\, n. [L. nescientia, fr. nesciens, p. pr.
of nescire not to know; ne not + scire to know.]
Want of knowledge; ignorance; agnosticism.
God fetched it about for me, in that absence and
nescience of mine. --Bp. Hall.
Nese \Nese\, n.
Nose. [Obs.] --Piers plowman.
Nesh \Nesh\, a. [AS. hnesc, hn[ae]sc, akin to Goth. hnasqus.]
Soft; tender; delicate. [Obs. or Prov. Eng.]
Ness \Ness\, n. [AS. n[ae]s, ns; akin to Icel. nes, Sw. n["a]s,
Dan. n[ae]s, and E. nose. [root] 261. See {Nose}.]
A promontory; a cape; a headland. --Hakluyt.
Note: Ness is frequently used as a suffix in the names of
places and promontories; as, Sheerness.
-ness \-ness\ [AS. -ness, -nyss, -nys; akin to OS. -nissi,
nussi, D. -nis, OHG. -nissa, -nass[=i], -nuss[=i], G. -nis,
-niss, Goth. -inasus.]
A suffix used to form abstract nouns expressive of quality or
state; as, goodness, greatness.
Nesslerize \Ness"ler*ize\, v. t. [From Nessler, the chemist.]
(Chem.)
To treat or test, as a liquid, with a solution of mercuric
iodide in potassium iodide and potassium hydroxide, which is
called Nessler's solution or Nessler's test, and is used to
detect the presence of ammonia.
Nest \Nest\, n. [AS. nest; akin to D. & G. nest, Sw. n["a]ste,
L. nidus, for nisdus, Skr. n[=i]?a resting place, nest; cf.
Lith. lizdas, Arm. neiz, Gael. & Ir. nead. Prob. from the
particle ni down, Skr. ni + the root of E. sit, and thus
orig., a place to sit down in. [root] 264. See {Nether}, and
{Sit}, and cf. {Eyas}, {Nidification}, {Nye}.]
1. The bed or receptacle prepared by a fowl for holding her
eggs and for hatching and rearing her young.
The birds of the air have nests. --Matt. viii.
20.
2. Hence: the place in which the eggs of other animals, as
insects, turtles, etc., are laid and hatched; a snug place
in which young animals are reared. --Bentley.
3. A snug, comfortable, or cozy residence or situation; a
retreat, or place of habitual resort; hence, those who
occupy a nest, frequent a haunt, or are associated in the
same pursuit; as, a nest of traitors; a nest of bugs.
A little cottage, like some poor man's nest.
--Spenser.
4. (Geol.) An aggregated mass of any ore or mineral, in an
isolated state, within a rock.
5. A collection of boxes, cases, or the like, of graduated
size, each put within the one next larger.
6. (Mech.) A compact group of pulleys, gears, springs, etc.,
working together or collectively.
{Nest egg}, an egg left in the nest to prevent the hen from
forsaking it, and to induce her to lay more in the same
place; hence, figuratively, something laid up as the
beginning of a fund or collection. --Hudibras.
Nest \Nest\, v. i.
To build and occupy a nest.
The king of birds nested within his leaves. --Howell.
Nest \Nest\, v. t.
To put into a nest; to form a nest for.
From him who nested himself into the chief power.
--South.
Nestful \Nest"ful\, n.; pl. {Nestfuls}.
As much or many as will fill a nest.
Nestle \Nes"tle\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Nestled}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Nestling}.] [AS. nestlian.]
1. To make and occupy a nest; to nest. [Obs.]
The kingfisher . . . nestles in hollow banks.
--L'Estrange.
2. To lie close and snug, as a bird in her nest; to cuddle
up; to settle, as in a nest; to harbor; to take shelter.
Their purpose was to fortify in some strong place of
the wild country, and there nestle till succors
came. --Bacon.
3. To move about in one's place, like a bird when shaping the
interior of her nest or a young bird getting close to the
parent; as, a child nestles.
Nestle \Nes"tle\, v. t.
To house, as in a nest.
2. To cherish, as a bird her young.
Nestling \Nes"tling\ n.
1. A young bird which has not abandoned the nest. --Piers
Plowman.
2. A nest; a receptacle. [Obs.] --Bacon.
Nestling \Nes"tling\, a.
Newly hatched; being yet in the nest.
Nestor \Nes"tor\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
A genus of parrots with gray heads. of New Zeland and papua,
allied to the cockatoos. See {Kaka}.
Nestorian \Nes*to"ri*an\, n. (Eccl. Hist.)
An adherent of Nestorius, patriarch of Constantinople to the
fifth century, who has condemned as a heretic for maintaining
that the divine and the human natures were not merged into
one nature in Christ (who was God in man), and, hence, that
it was improper to call Mary the mother of Christ; also, one
of the sect established by the followers of Nestorius in
Persia, india, and other Oriental countries, and still in
existence. opposed to {Eutychian}.
Nestorian \Nes*to"ri*an\, a.
1. Of or relating to the Nestorians.
2. relating to, or resembling, Nestor, the aged warior and
counselor mentioned by Homer; hence, wise; experienced;
aged; as, Nestorian caution.
Nestorianism \Nes*to"ri*an*ism\, n.
The doctrines of the nestorian Christians, or of Nestorius.
Ney \Ney\, n. [AS. net; akin to D. net, OS. net, netti, OHG.
nezzi, G. netz, Icel. & Dan. net, Sw. n["a]t, Goth. nati; of
uncertain origin.]
1. A fabric of twine, thread, or the like, wrought or woven
into meshes, and used for catching fish, birds,
butterflies, etc.
2. Anything designed or fitted to entrap or catch; a snare;
any device for catching and holding.
A man that flattereth his neighbor spreadeth a net
for his feet. --Prov. xxix.
5.
In the church's net there are fishes good or bad.
--Jer. Taylor.
3. Anything wrought or woven in meshes; as, a net for the
hair; a mosquito net; a tennis net.
4. (Geom.) A figure made up of a large number of straight
lines or curves, which are connected at certain points and
related to each other by some specified law.
Net \Net\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Netted}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Netting}.]
1. To make into a net; to make n the style of network; as, to
net silk.
2. To take in a net; to capture by stratagem or wile.
And now I am here, netted and in the toils. --Sir W.
Scott.
3. To inclose or cover with a net; as, to net a tree.
Net \Net\, v. i.
To form network or netting; to knit.
Net \Net\, a. [F. See {Neat} clean.]
1. Without spot; pure; shining. [Obs.]
Her breast all naked as net ivory. --Spenser.
2. Free from extraneous substances; pure; unadulterated;
neat; as, net wine, etc. [R.]
3. Not including superfluous, incidental, or foreign matter,
as boxes, coverings, wraps, etc.; free from charges,
deductions, etc; as, net profit; net income; net weight,
etc. [Less properly written {nett}.]
{Net tonnage} (Naut.), the tonnage of a vessel after a
deduction from the gross tonnage has been made, to allow
space for crew, machinery, etc.
Net \Net\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Netted}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Netting}.]
To produce or gain as clear profit; as, he netted a thousand
dollars by the operation.
Netfish \Net"fish`\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
An astrophyton.
Nether \Neth"er\, a. [OE. nethere, neithere, AS. ni?era, fr. the
adv. ni?er downward; akin to neo?an below, beneath, D. neder
down, G. nieder, Sw. nedre below, nether, a. & adv., and also
to Skr. ni down. [root]201. Cf. {Beneath}.]
Situated down or below; lying beneath, or in the lower part;
having a lower position; belonging to the region below;
lower; under; -- opposed to {upper}.
'Twixt upper, nether, and surrounding fires. --Milton.
This darksome nether world her light Doth dim with
horror and deformity. --Spenser.
All my nether shape thus grew transformed. --Milton.
Neithermore \Neith"er*more`\, a.
Lower, nether. [Obs.] --Holland.
Nethermost \Neth"er*most`\, a. [AS. ni(?)emest. See {Nether},
and cf. {Aftermost}.]
Lowest; as, the nethermost abyss. --Milton.
Nethinim \Neth"i*nim\, n. pl. [Heb., pl. of n[=a]th[=i]n given,
granted, a slave of the temple, fr. n[=a]than to give.]
(jewish Antiq.)
Servants of the priests and Levites in the menial services
about the tabernacle and temple.
Netify \Net"i*fy\, v. t. [Net, a. + -fy.]
To render neat; to clean; to put in order. [R.] --Chapman.
Netting \Net"ting\, n. [From {Net}, n.]
1. The act or process of making nets or network, or of
forming meshes, as for fancywork, fishing nets, etc.
2. A piece of network; any fabric, made of cords, threads,
wires, or the like, crossing one another with open spaces
between.
3. (Naut.) A network of ropes used for various purposes, as
for holding the hammocks when not in use, also for stowing
sails, and for hoisting from the gunwale to the rigging to
hinder an enemy from boarding. --Totten.
{Netting needle}, a kind of slender shuttle used in netting.
See {Needle}, n., 3.
Netting \Net"ting\, n.
Urine. [Prov. Eng.] --Halliwell.
Nettle \Net"tle\, n. [AS. netele; akin to D. netel, G. nessel,
OHG. nezz["i]la, nazza, Dan. nelde, n["a]lde, Sw. n["a]ssla;
cf, Lith. notere.] (Bot.)
A plant of the genus {Urtica}, covered with minute sharp
hairs containing a poison that produces a stinging sensation.
{Urtica gracitis} is common in the Northern, and {U.
cham[ae]dryoides} in the Southern, United States. the common
European species, {U. urens} and {U. dioica}, are also found
in the Eastern united States. {U. pilulifera} is the Roman
nettle of England.
Note: The term nettle has been given to many plants related
to, or to some way resembling, the true nettle; as:
{Australian nettle}, a stinging tree or shrub of the genus
{Laportea} (as {L. gigas} and {L. moroides}); -- also
called {nettle tree}.
{Bee nettle}, {Hemp nettle}, a species of {Galeopsis}. See
under {Hemp}.
{Blind nettle}, {Dead nettle}, a harmless species of
{Lamium}.
{False nettle} ({B[ae]hmeria cylindrica}), a plant common in
the United States, and related to the true nettles.
{Hedge nettle}, a species of {Stachys}. See under {Hedge}.
{Horse nettle} ({Solanum Carolinense}). See under {Horse}.
{nettle tree}.
(a) Same as {Hackberry}.
(b) See {Australian nettle} (above).
{Spurge nettle}, a stinging American herb of the Spurge
family ({Jatropha urens}).
{Wood nettle}, a plant ({Laportea Canadensis}) which stings
severely, and is related to the true nettles.
{Nettle cloth}, a kind of thick cotton stuff, japanned, and
used as a substitute for leather for various purposes.
{Nettle rash} (Med.), an eruptive disease resembling the
effects of whipping with nettles.
{Sea nettle} (Zo["o]l.), a medusa.
Nettle \Net"tle\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Nettled}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Nettling}.]
To fret or sting; to irritate or vex; to cause to experience
sensations of displeasure or uneasiness not amounting to
violent anger.
The princes were so nettled at the scandal of this
affront, that every man took it to himself.
--L'Estrange.
Nettlebird \Net"tle*bird`\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
the European whitethroat. [Prov. Eng.]
Nettler \Net"tler\, n.
One who nettles. [R.] --Milton.
Nettles \Net"tles\, n. pl. [See {Knittle}.] (Naut.)
(a) The halves of yarns in the unlaid end of a rope twisted
for pointing or grafting.
(b) Small lines used to sling hammocks under the deck beams.
(c) Reef points.
Nettling \Net"tling\, n. (Rope Making)
(a) A process (resembling splicing) by which two ropes are
jointed end so as to form one rope.
(b) The process of tying together the ends of yarns in pairs,
to prevent tangling.
Nettling \Net"tling\, p. pr. & a.
Stinging; irritating.
{Nettling cell} (Zo["o]l.), a lasso cell. See under {Lasso}.
Netty \Net"ty\, a.
Like a net, or network; netted. [R.]
Net-veined \Net"-veined`\, a.
Having veins, or nerves, reticulated or netted; as, a
net-veined wing or leaf.
Network \Net"work`\, n.
1. A fabric of threads, cords, or wires crossing each other
at certain intervals, and knotted or secured at the
crossings, thus leaving spaces or meshes between them.
2. Any system of lines or channels interlacing or crossing
like the fabric of a net; as, a network of veins; a
network of railroads.
Neurad \Neu"rad\, adv. [Gr. ? nerve + L. ad to.] (Anat.)
Toward the neural side; -- opposed to {h[ae]mad}.
Neural \Neu"ral\, a. [Gr. ? nerve.] (Anat. & Zo["o]l.)
relating to the nerves or nervous system; taining to,
situated in the region of, or on the side with, the neural,
or cerebro-spinal, axis; -- opposed to {hemal}. As applied to
vertebrates, neural is the same as {dorsal}; as applied to
invertebrates it is usually the same as ventral. Cf. {Hemal}.
{Neural arch} (Anat.), the cartilaginous or bony arch on the
dorsal side of the centrum of the vertebra in a segment of
the spinal skeleton, usually inclosing a segment of the
spinal cord.
Neuralgia \Neu*ral"gi*a\, n. [NL., from gr. ? nerve + ? pain.
See {nerve}.] (Med.)
A disease, the chief symptom of which is a very acute pain,
exacerbating or intermitting, which follows the course of a
nervous branch, extends to its ramifications, and seems
therefore to be seated in the nerve. It seems to be
independent of any structural lesion. --Dunglison.
Neuralgic \Neu*ral"gic\, a.
Of or pertaining to, or having the character of, neuralgia;
as, a neuralgic headache.
Neuralgy \Neu*ral"gy\, n.
Neuralgia.
Neurapophysial \Neu*rap`o*phys"i*al\, a. (Anat.)
Of or pertaining to a neurapophysis.
Neurapophysis \Neu`ra*poph"y*sis\, n.; pl. {Neurapophyses}. [NL.
See {Neuro-}, and {Apophysis}.] (Anat.)
(a) One of the two lateral processes or elements which form
the neural arch.
(b) The dorsal process of the neural arch; neural spine;
spinous process.
Neurasthenia \Neu*ras`the*ni"a\, n. [NL., fr. Gr. ? nerve + ?
weakness.] (Med.)
A condition of nervous debility supposed to be dependent upon
impairment in the functions of the spinal cord.
Neuration \Neu*ra"tion\, n. (Biol.)
The arrangement or distribution of nerves, as in the leaves
of a plant or the wings of an insect; nervation.
Neuraxis \Neu*rax"is\, n. [Neuro- + axis.] (Anat.)
See {Axis cylinder}, under {Axis}.
Neurenteric \Neu`ren*ter"ic\, a. [Neuro- + enteric.] (Anat.)
Of or pertaining to both the neuron and the enteron; as, the
neurenteric canal, which, in embroys of many vertebrates,
connects the medullary tube and the primitive intestine. See
Illust. of {Ectoderm}.
Neuridin \Neu"ri*din\, n. [From {Neurine}.] (Physiol. Chem.)
a nontoxic base, {C5H14N2}, found in the putrescent matters
of flesh, fish, decaying cheese, etc.
Neurilemma \Neu`ri*lem"ma\, n. [NL., from gr. ? nerve + ? peel,
skin.] (Anat.)
(a) The delicate outer sheath of a nerve fiber; the primitive
sheath.
(b) The perineurium.
Neurility \Neu*ril"i*ty\, n. [Gr. ? nerve.] (Physiol.)
The special properties and functions of the nerves; that
capacity for transmitting a stimulus which belongs to nerves.
--G. H. Lewes.
Neurine \Neu"rine\ (? or ?), n. [Gr. ? a nerve.] (Physiol.
Chem.)
A poisonous organic base (a ptomaine) formed in the
decomposition of protagon with boiling baryta water, and in
the putrefraction of proteid matter. It was for a long time
considered identical with choline, a crystalline body
originally obtained from bile. Chemically, however, choline
is oxyethyl-trimethyl-ammonium hydroxide, while neurine is
vinyl-trimethyl-ammonium hydroxide. [Written also {neurin}.]
Neurism \Neu"rism\, n. [Gr. ? nerve.] (Biol.)
Nerve force. See {Vital force}, under {Vital}.
Neuritis \Neu*ri"tis\, n. [NL., fr. gr. ? nerve + -itis.] (Med.)
Inflammation of a nerve.
Neuro- \Neu"ro-\ [Gr. ? nerve.] (Anat.)
A combining denoting a nerve, of or pertaining to a nerve or
the nervous system.
Neuro-central \Neu`ro-cen"tral\, a. [Neuro- + central.] (Anat.)
Between the neural arch and the centrum of a vertebra; as,
the neurocentral suture. --Huxley.
Neurochord \Neu"ro*chord\, n., Neurochordal \Neu`ro*chor"dal\,
a. (Zo["o]l.)
See {Neurocord}.
Neurocity \Neu*roc"i*ty\, n. (Physiol.)
Nerve force.
Neurocoele \Neu"ro*c[oe]le\, n. [Neuro- + Ge. ? a hollow.]
(Anat.)
The central canal and ventricles of the spinal cord and
brain; the myelencephalic cavity.
Neurocord \Neu"ro*cord\, n. [Neuro- + cord.] (Zo["o]l.)
A cordlike organ composed of elastic fibers situated above
the ventral nervous cord of annelids, like the earthworm. --
{Neu`ro*cor"dal}, a.
Neuro-epidermal \Neu`ro-ep`i*der"mal\, a. [Neuro- + epidermal.]
(Anat.)
Pertaining to, or giving rise to, the central nervous system
and epiderms; as, the neuroepidermal, or epiblastic, layer of
the blastoderm.
Neuroglia \Neu*rog"li*a\, n. [NL., fr. gr. ? ligament + ? glue.]
(Anat.)
The delicate connective tissue framework which supports the
nervous matter and blood vessels of the brain and spinal
cord.
Neurography \Neu*rog"ra*phy\, n. [Neuro- + -graphy.] (Anat.)
A description of the nerves. --Dunglison.
Neurokeratin \Neu`ro*ker"a*tin\, n. [Neuro- + keratin.]
(Physiol. Chem.)
A substance, resembling keratin, present in nerve tissue, as
in the sheath of the axis cylinder of medullated nerve
fibers. Like keratin it resists the action of most chemical
agents, and by decomposition with sulphuric acid yields
leucin and tyrosin.
Neurological \Neu`ro*log"ic*al\, a.
Of or pertaining to neurolgy.
Neurologist \Neu*rol"o*gist\, n.
One who is versed in neurology; also, one skilled in the
treatment of nervous diseases.
Neurology \Neu*rol"o*gy\, n. [Neuro- + -logy.]
The branch of science which treats of the nervous system.
Neuroma \Neu*ro"ma\, n. [NL. See {Neuro-}, and {-oma}.] (Med.)
A tumor developed on, or connected with, a nerve, esp. one
consisting of new-formed nerve fibers.
Neuromere \Neu"ro*mere\, n. [Neuro- + -mere.] (Anat.)
A metameric segment of the cerebro-spinal nervous system.
Neuromuscular \Neu`ro*mus"cu*lar\, a. [Neuro- + muscular.]
(Physiol.)
Nervomuscular.
Neuron \Neu"ron\, n.; pl. {Neura}. [NL., from Gr. ney^ron
nerve.] (Anat.)
The brain and spinal cord; the cerebro-spinal axis;
myelencephalon.
--B. G. Wilder.
Neuropathic \Neu`ro*path"ic\, a.
Of or pertaining to neuropathy; of the nature of, or
suffering from, nervous disease.
Neuropathy \Neu*rop"a*thy\, n. [Neuro- + Gr. ?, ?, to suffer.]
(Med.)
An affection of the nervous system or of a nerve.
Neuropod \Neu"ro*pod\, n. [Neuro- + -pod.] (Zo["o]l.)
A neuropodous animal. --G. Rolleston.
Neuropodium \Neu`ro*po"di*um\, n. [NL., from Gr. ? a nerve + ?,
dim. of ?, ?, the foot.] (Zo["o]l.)
The ventral lobe or branch of a parapodium.
Neuropodous \Neu*rop"o*dous\, a. [Neuro- + -pod + -ous.]
(Zo["o]l.)
Having the limbs on, or directed toward, the neural side, as
in most invertebrates; -- opposed to {h[ae]mapodous}. --G.
Rolleston.
Neuropore \Neu"ro*pore\, n. [Neuro- + pore.] (Anat.)
An opening at either end of the embryonic neural canal.
Neuropter \Neu*rop"ter\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
One of the Neuroptera.
Neuroptera \Neu*rop"te*ra\, n. pl. [Nl., fr. gr. ? nerve + ? a
wing, fr. ? to fly.] (Zo["o]l.)
An order of hexapod insects having two pairs of large,
membranous, net-veined wings. The mouth organs are adapted
for chewing. They feed upon other insects, and undergo a
complete metamorphosis. The ant-lion, hellgamite, and
lacewing fly are examples. Formerly, the name was given to a
much more extensive group, including the true Neuroptera and
the Pseudoneuroptera.
Neropteral \Nerop"ter*al\, a. (Zo["o]l.)
Of or pertaining to the Neuroptera.
Neuropteran \Neu*rop"ter*an\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
A neuropter.
Neuropteris \Neu*rop"te*ris\, n. [NL., fr. Gr. ? a nerve + ? a
kind of fern.] (Paleon.)
An extensive genus of fossil ferns, of which species have
been found from the Devonian to the Triassic formation.
Neuropterous \Neu*rop"ter*ous\, a. (Zo["o]l.)
Neuropteral.
Neurosensiferous \Neu`ro*sen*sif"er*ous\, a. [neuro- +
sensiferous.] (Zo["o]l.)
Pertaining to, or forming, both nerves and sense organs.
Neurosis \Neu*ro"sis\, n.; pl. Neuroses. [NL., fr. gr. ? nerve.]
(Med.)
A functional nervous affection or disease, that is, a disease
of the nerves without any appreciable change of nerve
structure.
Neuroskeletal \Neu`ro*skel"e*tal\, a.
Of or pertaining to the neuroskeleton. [R.] --Owen.
Neuroskeleton \Neu`ro*skel"e*ton\, n. [Neuro- + skeleton.]
(Anat.)
The deep-seated parts of the vertebrate skeleton which are
relation with the nervous axis and locomation. --Owen.
Neurospast \Neu"ro*spast\, n. [L. neurospaston, Gr. ?, fr. ?
drawn by strings.]
A puppet. [R.] --Dr. H. More.
Neurotic \Neu*rot"ic\, a. [Gr. ? nerve.]
1. Of or pertaining to the nerves; seated in the nerves;
nervous; as, a neurotic disease.
2. Uself in disorders of, or affecting, the nerves.
Neurotic \Neu*rot"ic\, n.
1. A disease seated in the nerves.
2. (Med.) Any toxic agent whose action is mainly directed to
the great nerve centers.
Note: Neurotic as a class include all those poisons whose
mains action is upon the brain and spinal cord. They
may be divided three orders: (a) Cerebral neurotics, or
those which affect the brain only. (b) Spinal
neurotics, or tetanics, those which affect the spinal
cord. (c) Cerebro-spinal neurotics, or those which
affect both brain and spinal cord.
Neurotome \Neu"ro*tome\, n. [See {Neurotomy}.]
1. An instrument for cutting or dissecting nerves.
2. (Anat.) A neuromere.
Neurotomical \Neu`ro*tom"ic*al\, a.
Of or pertaining to neurotomy.
Neurotomist \Neu*rot"o*mist\, n.
One who skilled in or practices neurotomy.
Neurotomy \Neu*rot"o*my\, n. [Neuro- + Gr. ? to cut.]
1. The dissection, or anatomy, of the nervous system.
2. (Med.) The division of a nerve, for the relief of
neuralgia, or for other purposes. --Dunglison.
Neurula \Neu"ru*la\, n. [NL., dim. of Gr. ? a nerve.] (Zo["o]l.)
An embryo or certain invertebrates in the stage when the
primitive band is first developed.
Neuter \Neu"ter\, a. [L., fr. ne not + uter whether; akin to E.
whether. See {No}, and {Whether}, and cf. {Neither}.]
1. Neither the one thing nor the other; on neither side;
impartial; neutral. [Archaic]
In all our undertakings God will be either our
friend or our enemy; for Providence never stands
neuter. --South.
2. (Gram.)
(a) Having a form belonging more especially to words which
are not appellations of males or females; expressing
or designating that which is of neither sex; as, a
neuter noun; a neuter termination; the neuter gender.
(b) Intransitive; as, a neuter verb.
3. (Biol.) Having no generative organs, or imperfectly
developed ones; sexless. See {Neuter}, n., 3.
Neuter \Neu"ter\, n.
1. A person who takes no part in a contest; one who is either
indifferent to a cause or forbears to interfere; a
neutral.
The world's no neuter; it will wound or save.
--Young.
2. (Gram.)
(a) A noun of the neuter gender; any one of those words
which have the terminations usually found in neuter
words.
(b) An intransitive verb.
3. (Biol.) An organism, either vegetable or animal, which at
its maturity has no generative organs, or but imperfectly
developed ones, as a plant without stamens or pistils, as
the garden Hydrangea; esp., one of the imperfectly
developed females of certain social insects, as of the ant
and the common honeybee, which perform the labors of the
community, and are called workers.
Neutral \Neu"tral\, a. [L. neutralis, fr. neuter. See {Neuter}.]
1. Not engaged on either side; not taking part with or
assisting either of two or more contending parties;
neuter; indifferent.
The heart can not possibly remain neutral, but
constantly takes part one way or the other.
--Shaftesbury.
2. Neither good nor bad; of medium quality; middling; not
decided or pronounced.
Some things good, and some things ill, do seem, And
neutral some, in her fantastic eye. --Sir J.
Davies.
3. (Biol.) Neuter. See {Neuter}, a., 3.
4. (Chem.) Having neither acid nor basic properties; unable
to turn red litmus blue or blue litmus red; -- said of
certain salts or other compounds. Contrasted with {acid},
and {alkaline}.
{Neutral axis}, {Neutral surface} (Mech.), that line or
plane, in a beam under transverse pressure, at which the
fibers are neither stretched nor compressed, or where the
longitudinal stress is zero. See {Axis}.
{Neutral equilibrium} (Mech.), the kind of equilibrium of a
body so placed that when moved slighty it neither tends to
return to its former position not depart more widely from
it, as a perfect sphere or cylinder on a horizontal plane.
{Neutral salt} (Chem.), a salt formed by the complete
replacement of the hydrogen in an acid or base; in the
former case by a positive or basic, in the latter by a
negative or acid, element or radical.
{Neutral tint}, a bluish gray pigment, used in water colors,
made by mixing indigo or other blue some warm color. the
shades vary greatly.
{Neutral vowel}, the vowel element having an obscure and
indefinite quality, such as is commonly taken by the vowel
in many unaccented syllables. It is regarded by some as
identical with the [u^] in up, and is called also the
{natural vowel}, as unformed by art and effort. See Guide
to Pronunciation, [sect] 17.
Neutral \Neu"tral\, n.
A person or a nation that takes no part in a contest between
others; one who is neutral.
The neutral, as far as commerce extends, becomes a
party in the war. --R. G.
Harper.
Neutralist \Neu"tral*ist\, n.
A neutral; one who professes or practices neutrality.
--Milman.
Neutrality \Neu*tral"i*ty\, n. [Cf. F. neutralit['e].]
1. The state or quality of being neutral; the condition of
being unengaged in contests between others; state of
taking no part on either side; indifference.
Men who possess a state of neutrality in times of
public danger, desert the interest of their fellow
subjects. --Addison.
2. Indifference in quality; a state neither very good nor
bad. [Obs.] --Donne.
3. (Chem.) The quality or state of being neutral. See
{Neutral}, a., 4.
4. (International Law) The condition of a nation or
government which refrains from taking part, directly or
indirectly, in a war between other powers.
5. Those who are neutral; a combination of neutral powers or
states.
{Armed neutrality}, the condition of a neutral power, in time
of war, which holds itself ready to resist by force any
aggression of either belligerent.
Neutralization \Neu`tral*i*za"tion\, n. [Cf. F. neutralisation.]
1. The act or process of neutralizing, or the state of being
neutralized.
2. (Chem.) The act or process by which an acid and a base are
combined in such proportions that the resulting compound
is neutral. See {Neutral}, a., 4.
Neutralize \Neu"tral*ize\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Neutralized}; p.
pr. & vb. n. {Neutralizing}.] [Cf. F. neutraliser.]
1. To render neutral; to reduce to a state of neutrality.
So here I am neutralized again. --Sir W.
Scott.
2. (Chem.) To render inert or imperceptible the peculiar
affinities of, as a chemical substance; to destroy the
effect of; as, to neutralize an acid with a base.
3. To destroy the peculiar or opposite dispositions of; to
reduce to a state of indifference inefficience; to
counteract; as, to neutralize parties in government; to
neutralize efforts, opposition, etc.
Counter citations that neutralize each other. --E.
Everett.
Neutralizer \Neu"tral*i`zer\, n.
One who, or that which, neutralizes; that which destroys,
disguises, or renders inert the peculiar properties of a
body.
Neutrally \Neu"tral*ly\, adv.
In a neutral manner; without taking part with either side;
indifferently.
Neuvaines \Neu`vaines"\, n. pl. [F. neuvaine, fr. LL. novena,
fr. L. novem. See {Noon}.] (R.C.Ch.)
Prayers offered up for nine successive days.
Nevadite \Ne*va"dite\, n. (Min.)
A grantitoid variety of rhyolite, common in Nevada.
N'ev'e \N['e]`v['e]"\, n. [F., fr. ? nix, nivis, snow.] (Geol.)
The upper part of a glacier, above the limit or perpetual
snow. See {Galcier}.
Neven \Nev"en\, v. t. [Icel. nefna. [root] 267.]
To name; to mention; to utter. [Obs.]
As oft I heard my lord them neven. --Chaucer.
Never \Nev"er\, adv. [AS. n?fre; ne not, no + ?fre ever.]
1. Not ever; not at any time; at no time, whether past,
present, or future. --Shak.
Death still draws nearer, never seeming near.
--Pope.
2. In no degree; not in the least; not.
Whosoever has a friend to guide him, may carry his
eyes in another man's head, and yet see never the
worse. --South.
And he answered him to never a word. --Matt. xxvii.
14.
Note: Never is much used in composition with present
participles to form adjectives, as in never-ceasing,
never-dying, never-ending, never-fading, never-failing,
etc., retaining its usual signification.
{Never a deal}, not a bit. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
{Never so}, as never before; more than at any other time, or
in any other circumstances; especially; particularly; --
now often expressed or replaced by {ever so}.
Ask me never so much dower and gift. --Gen. xxxiv.
12.
A fear of battery, . . . though never so well
grounded, is no duress. --Blackstone.
Nevermore \Nev"er*more`\, adv.
Never again; at no time hereafter. --Testament of Love.
Tyndale.
Where springtime of the Hesperides Begins, but endeth
nevermore. --Longfellow.
Neverthelater \Nev`er*the*lat"er\, adv. or conj.
Nevertheless. [Obs.]
Nevertheless \Nev`er*the*less"\, adv. or conj. [Never + the (see
{The} by that) + less.]
Not the less; notwithstanding; in spite of that; yet.
No chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but
grievous; nevertheless, afterward it yieldeth the
peaceable fruit of righteousness. --Heb. xii.
11.
Syn: However; at least; yet; still. See {However}.
Nevew \Nev"ew\, n.
Nephew. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
New \New\, a. [Compar. {Newer}; superl. {Newest}.] [OE. OE.
newe, AS. niwe, neowe; akin to D. nieuw, OS. niwi, OHG.
niuwi, G. neu, Icel. n?r, Dan. & Sw. ny, Goth. niujis, Lith.
naujas, Russ. novuii, Ir. nua, nuadh, Gael. nuadh, W. newydd,
Armor. nevez, L. novus, gr. ?, Skr. nava, and prob. to E.
now. [root]263. See {Now}, and cf. {Announce}, {Innovate},
{Neophyte}, {Novel}.]
1. Having existed, or having been made, but a short time;
having originated or occured lately; having recently come
into existence, or into one's possession; not early or
long in being; of late origin; recent; fresh; modern; --
opposed to {old}, as, a new coat; a new house; a new book;
a new fashion. ``Your new wife.'' --Chaucer.
2. Not before seen or known, although existing before; lately
manifested; recently discovered; as, a new metal; a new
planet; new scenes.
3. Newly beginning or recurring; starting anew; now
commencing; different from has been; as, a new year; a new
course or direction.
4. As if lately begun or made; having the state or quality of
original freshness; also, changed for the better;
renovated; unworn; untried; unspent; as, rest and travel
made him a new man.
Steadfasty purposing to lead a new life. --Bk. of
Com. Prayer.
Men after long emaciating diets, fat, and almost
new. --Bacon.
5. Not of ancient extraction, or of a family of ancient
descent; not previously kniwn or famous. --Addison.
6. Not habituated; not familiar; unaccustomed.
New to the plow, unpracticed in the trace. --Pope.
7. Fresh from anything; newly come.
New from her sickness to that northern air.
--Dryden.
{New birth}. See under {Birth}.
{New Church}, or {New Jerusalem Church}, the church holding
the doctrines taught by Emanuel Swedenborg. See
{Swedenborgian}.
{New heart} (Theol.), a heart or character changed by the
power of God, so as to be governed by new and holy
motives.
{New land}, land ckeared and cultivated for the first time.
{New light}. (Zo["o]l.) See {Crappie}.
{New moon}.
(a) The moon in its first quarter, or when it first
appears after being invisible.
(b) The day when the new moon is first seen; the first day
of the lunar month, which was a holy day among the
Jews. --2 Kings iv. 23.
{New Red Sandstone} (Geol.), an old name for the formation
immediately above the coal measures or strata, now divided
into the Permian and Trias. See {Sandstone}.
{New style}. See {Style}.
{New testament}. See under {Testament}.
{New world}, the land of the Western Hemisphere; -- so called
because not known to the inhabitants of the Eastern
Hemisphere until recent times.
Syn: Novel; recent; fresh; modern. See {Novel}.
New \New\, adv.
Newly; recently. --Chaucer.
Note: New is much used in composition, adverbially, in the
sense of newly, recently, to quality other words, as in
new-born, new-formed, new-found, new-mown.
{Of new}, anew. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
New \New\, v. t. & i.
To make new; to renew. [Obs.]
Newborn \New"born`\, a.
Recently born. --Shak.
Newcome \New"come`\, a.
Recently come.
Newcomer \New"com`er\, n.
One who has lately come.
Newel \New"el\, n. [From {New}. Cf. {Novel}.]
A novelty; a new thing. [Obs.] --Spenser.
Newel \New"el\, n. [OF. nual, F. noyau sone, of fruit, noyau
d'escaler newel, fr. L. nucalis like a nut, fr. nux, nucis,
nut. Cf {Nowel} the inner wall of a mold, {Nucleus}..]
(Arch.)
The upright post about which the steps of a circular
staircase wind; hence, in stairs having straight flights, the
principal post at the foot of a staircase, or the secondary
ones at the landings. See {Hollow newel}, under {Hollow}.
Newfangle \New"fan`gle\, a. [New + fangle.]
Eager for novelties; desirous of changing. [Obs.]
So newfangel be they of their meat. --Chaucer.
Newfangle \New"fan`gle\, v. t.
To change by introducing novelties. [Obs.]
Newfangled \New"fan`gled\, a.
1. Newmade; formed with the affectation of novelty. ``A
newfangled nomenclature.'' --Sir W. Hamilton.
2. Disposed to change; inclined to novelties; given to new
theories or fashions. ``Newfangled teachers.'' --1 Tim.
vi. (heading). ``Newfangled men.'' --Latimer.
Newfangledness \New"fan`gled*ness\, n.
Affectation of, or fondness for, novelty; vain or affected
fashion or form.
Newfangleness \New"fan`gle*ness\, n. [OE. newefanglenes. See
{Fangle}.]
Newfangledness. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Proud newfangleness in their apparel. --Robynson
(More's
Utopia).
Newfanglist \New"fan`glist\, n.
One who is eager for novelties or desirous of change. [Obs.]
--Tooker.
Newfangly \New"fan`gly\, adv.
In a newfangled manner; with eagerness for novelty. [Obs.]
--Sir T. More.
Newfashioned \New`fash"ioned\, a.
Made in a new form, or lately come into fashion.
Newfoundland \New"found*land`\ (?, often ?), n.
1. An island on the coast of British North America, famed for
the fishing grounds in its vicinity.
2. A Newfoundland dog. --Tennyson.
{Newfoundland dog} (Zo["o]l.), a breed of large dogs, with
shaggy hair, which originated in Newfoundland, noted for
intelligence, docility, and swimming powers.
Newing \New"ing\, n. [From {New}, v. t.]
Yeast; barm. [prov. Eng.]
Newish \New"ish\, a.
Somewhat new; nearly new. --Bacon.
Newly \New"ly\, adv.
1. Lately; recently.
He rubbed it o'er with newly gathered mint.
--Dryden.
2. Anew; afresh; freshly.
And the refined mind doth newly fashion Into a
fairer form. --Spenser.
Newmarket \New"mar`ket\, n. [From Newmarket, England.]
A long, closely fitting cloak.
New-model \New`-mod"el\, v. t.
To remodel.
Newness \New"ness\, n.
The quality or state of being new; as, the newness of a
system; the newness of a scene; newness of life.
News \News\, n [From New; cf. F. nounelles. News ?s plural in
form, but is commonly used with a singular verb.]
1. A report of recent occurences; information of something
that has lately taken place, or of something before
unknown; fresh tindings; recent intelligence.
Evil news rides post, while good news baits.
--Milton.
2. Something strange or newly happened.
It is no news for the weak and poor to be a prey to
the strong and rich. --L'Estrange.
3. A bearer of news; a courier; a newspaper. [Obs.]
There cometh a news thither with his horse. --Pepys.
News-book \News"-book`\, n.
A newspaper. [Obs.]
newsboy \news"boy`\, n.
A boy who distributes or sells newspaper.
News-letter \News"-let`ter\, n.
A circular letter, written or printed for the purpose of
disseminating news. This was the name given to the earliest
English newspapers.
Newsman \News"man\, n.; pl. {Newsmen}.
1. One who brings news. [Obs.] --Spenser.
2. A man who distributes or sells newspapers.
Newsmonger \News"mon`ger\, n.
One who deals in news; one who is active in hearing and
telling news.
Newspaper \News"pa`per\, n.
A sheet of paper printed and distributed, at stated
intervals, for conveying intelligence of passing events,
advocating opinions, etc.; a public print that circulates
news, advertisements, proceedings of legislative bodies,
public announcements, etc.
Newsroom \News"room`\, n.
A room where news is collected and disseminated, or
periodicals sold; a reading room supplied with newspapers,
magazines, etc.
News-vnder \News"-vnd`er\, n.
A seller of newspapers.
News-writer \News"-writ`er\, n.
One who gathered news for, and wrote, news-letters.
--Macaulay.
Newsy \News"y\, a.
Full of news; abounding in information as to current events.
[Colloq.]
Newt \Newt\, n. [OE. ewt, evete, AS. efete, with n prefixed, an
ewt being understood as a newt. Cf. {Eft}.] (Zo["o]l.)
Any one of several species of small aquatic salamanders. The
common British species are the crested newt ({Triton
cristatus}) and the smooth newt ({Lophinus punctatus}). In
America, {Diemictylus viridescens} is one of the most
abundant species.
Newtonian \New*to"ni*an\, a.
Of or pertaining to Sir Isaac Newton, or his discoveries.
{Newtonian philosophy}, the philosophy of Sir Isaac Newton;
-- applied to the doctrine of the universe as expounded in
Newton's ``Principia,'' to the modern or experimental
philosophy (as opposed to the theories of Descartes and
others), and, most frequently, to the mathematical theory
of universal gravitation.
{Newtonian telescope} (Astron.), a reflecting telescope, in
which rays from the large speculum are received by a plane
mirror placed diagonally in the axis, and near the open
end of the tube, and thrown at right angles toward one
side of the tube, where the image is formed and viewed
through the eyeplace.
{Newtonian theory of light}. See Note under {Light}.
Newtonian \New*to"ni*an\, n.
A follower of Newton.
New-year \New"-year`\, a.
Of or pertaining to, or suitable for, the commencement of the
year; as, New-year gifts or odes.
New Year's Day \New" Year's` Day"\
the first day of a calendar year; the first day of January.
Often colloquially abbreviated to {New year's} or {new year}.
New Zealand \New` Zea"land\
A group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean.
{New Zealand flax}.
(a) (Bot.) A tall, liliaceous herb ({Phormium tenax}), having
very long, sword-shaped, distichous leaves which furnish
a fine, strong fiber very valuable for cordage and the
like.
(b) The fiber itself.
{New Zealand tea} (Bot.), a myrtaceous shrub ({Leptospermum
scoparium}) of New Zealand and Australia, the leaves of
which are used as a substitute for tea.
Nexible \Nex"i*ble\, a. [L. nexibilis, from nectere, nexum, to
bind.]
That may be knit together. [R.]
Next \Next\ (n[e^]kst), a., superl. of {Nigh}. [AS. n[=e]hst,
ni['e]hst, n[=y]hst, superl. of ne['a]h nigh. See {Nigh}.]
1. Nearest in place; having no similar object intervening.
--Chaucer.
Her princely guest Was next her side; in order sat
the rest. --Dryden.
Fear followed me so hard, that I fled the next way.
--Bunyan.
2. Nearest in time; as, the next day or hour.
3. Adjoining in a series; immediately preceding or following
in order.
None could tell whose turn should be the next.
--Gay.
4. Nearest in degree, quality, rank, right, or relation; as,
the next heir was an infant.
The man is near of kin unto us, one of our next
kinsmen. --Ruth ii. 20.
Note: Next is usually followed by to before an object, but to
is sometimes omitted. In such cases next in considered
by many grammarians as a preposition.
{Next friend} (Law), one who represents an infant, a married
woman, or any person who can not appear sui juris, in a
suit at law.
Next \Next\, adv.
In the time, place, or order nearest or immediately
suceeding; as, this man follows next.
Nexus \Nex"us\, n. [L.]
Connection; tie.
Man is doubtless one by some subtile nexus . . .
extending from the new-born infant to the superannuated
dotard. --De Quincey.
Nez Perc'es \Nez" Per`c['e]s"\, pl.; sing. {Nez Perc['E]}. [F.,
pierced noses.] (Ethnol.)
A tribe of Indians, mostly inhabiting Idaho.
Ngina \Ngi"na\, n. [Native name.]
The gorilla.
Niagara period \Ni*ag"a*ra pe"ri*od\ (Geol.)
A subdivision or the American Upper Silurian system,
embracing the Medina, Clinton, and Niagara epoch. The rocks
of the Niagara epoch, mostly limestones, are extensively
distributed, and at Niagara Falls consist of about eighty
feet of shale supporting a greater thickness of limestone,
which is gradually undermined by the removal of the shale.
See Chart of {Geology}.
Nias \Ni"as\, n. [F. niais. See {Eyas}.]
A young hawk; an eyas; hence, an unsophisticated person.
[Obs.]
Nib \Nib\, n. [A variabt of neb.]
1. A small and pointed thing or part; a point; a prong. ``The
little nib or fructifying principle.'' --Sir T. Browne.
2. (Zo["o]l.) The bill or beak of a bird; the neb.
3. The points of a pen; also, the pointed part of a pen; a
short pen adapted for insertion in a holder.
4. One of the handles which project from a scythe snath;
also, [Prov. Eng.], the shaft of a wagon.
Nib \Nib\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Nebbed}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Nibbing}.]
To furnish with a nib; to point; to mend the point of; as, to
nib a pen.
Nibbed \Nibbed\, a.
Having a nib or point.
Nibble \Nib"ble\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Nibbled}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Nibbling}.] [Cf. {Nip}.]
To bite by little at a time; to seize gently with the mouth;
to eat slowly or in small bits.
Thy turfy mountains, where live nibbling sheep. --Shak.
Nibble \Nib"ble\, v. t.
To bite upon something gently or cautiously; to eat a little
of a thing, as by taking small bits cautiously; as, fishes
nibble at the bait.
Instead of returning a full answer to my book, he
manifestly falls a-nibbling at one single passage.
--Tillotson.
Nibble \Nib"ble\, n.
A small or cautious bite.
Nibbler \Nib"bler\, n.
One who, or that which, nibbles.
Nibblingly \Nib"bling*ly\, adv.
In a nibbling manner; cautiously.
Niblick \Nib"lick\, n.
A kind of golf stick used to lift the ball out of holes,
ruts, etc.
Nicagua \Ni*ca"gua\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
The laughing falcon. See under {laughing}.
Nicaragua wood \Nic`a*ra"gua wood`\
Brazil wood.
Niccolite \Nic"co*lite\, n. [from NL. niccolum nickel.] (Min.)
A mineral of a copper-red color and metallic luster; an
arsenide of nickel; -- called also {coppernickel},
{kupfernickel}.
Nice \Nice\, a. [Compar. {Nicer}; superl. {Nicest}.] [OE.,
foolish, fr. OF. nice ignorant, fool, fr. L. nescius
ignorant; ne not + scius knowing, scire to know. perhaps
influenced by E. nesh delicate, soft. See {No}, and
{Science}.]
1. Foolish; silly; simple; ignorant; also, weak; effeminate.
[Obs.] --Gower.
But say that we ben wise and nothing nice.
--Chaucer.
2. Of trifling moment; nimportant; trivial. [Obs.]
The letter was not nice, but full of charge Of dear
import. --Shak.
3. Overscrupulous or exacting; hard to please or satisfy;
fastidious in small matters.
Curious not knowing, not exact but nice. --Pope.
And to taste Think not I shall be nice. --Milton.
4. Delicate; refined; dainty; pure.
Dear love, continue nice and chaste. --Donne.
A nice and subtile happiness. --Milton.
5. Apprehending slight differences or delicate distinctions;
distinguishing accurately or minutely; carefully
discriminating; as, a nice taste or judgment. ``Our author
happy in a judge so nice.'' --Pope. ``Nice verbal
criticism.'' --Coleridge.
6. Done or made with careful labor; suited to excite
admiration on account of exactness; evidencing great
skill; exact; fine; finished; as, nice proportions, nice
workmanship, a nice application; exactly or fastidiously
discriminated; requiring close discrimination; as, a nice
point of law, a nice distinction in philosophy.
The difference is too nice Where ends the virtue, or
begins the vice. --Pope.
7. Pleasing; agreeable; gratifying; delightful; good; as, a
nice party; a nice excursion; a nice person; a nice day; a
nice sauce, etc. [Loosely & Colloquially]
{To make nice of}, to be scrupulous about. [Obs.] --Shak.
Syn: Dainty; delicate; exquisite; fine; accurate; exact;
correct; precise; particular; scrupulous; punctilious;
fastidious; squeamish; finical; effeminate; silly.
Nicely \Nice"ly\ adv.
In a nice manner.
Nicene \Ni"cene\, a. [L. Nicaenus, fr. Nicaea Nice, Gr. ?.]
Of or pertaining to Nice, a town of Asia Minor, or to the
ecumenial council held there A. D. 325.
{Nicene Creed}, a summary of Christian faith, composed and
adopted by the Council of Nice, against Arianism, A. D.
325, altered and confirmed by the Council of
Constantinople, A. D. 381, and by subsequent councils.
Niceness \Nice"ness\, n.
Quality or state of being nice.
Nicery \Ni"cer*y\, n.
Nicety. [Colloq.] --Chapman.
Nicety \Ni"ce*ty\, n.; pl. {Niceties}. [OE. nicet['e]
foolishness.]
1. The quality or state of being nice (in any of the senses
of that word.).
The miller smiled of her nicety. --Chaucer.
2. Delicacy or exactness of perception; minuteness of
observation or of discrimination; precision.
3. A delicate expression, act, mode of treatment,
distinction, or the like; a minute distinction.
The fineness and niceties of words. --Locke.
{To a nicety}, with great exactness or accuracy.
Niche \Niche\, n. [F., fr. It. nicchia, prop., a shell-like
recess in a wall, fr. nicchio a shellfish, mussel, fr. L.
mytilus.]
A cavity, hollow, or recess, generally within the thickness
of a wall, for a statue, bust, or other erect ornament.
hence, any similar position, literal or figurative.
Images defended from the injuries of the weather by
niches of stone wherein they are placed. --Evelun.
Niched \Niched\, a.
Placed in a niche. ``Those niched shapes of noble mold.''
--Tennyson.
Nick \Nick\, n. [AS. nicor a marine monster; akin to D. nikker a
water spite, Icel. nykr, ONG. nihhus a crocodile, G. nix a
water sprite; cf. Gr. ? to wash, Skr. nij. Cf. {Nix}.]
(Northern Myth.)
An evil spirit of the waters.
{Old Nick}, the evil one; the devil. [Colloq.]
Nick \Nick\, n. [Akin to {Nock}.]
1. A notch cut into something; as:
(a) A score for keeping an account; a reckoning. [Obs.]
(b) (Print.) A notch cut crosswise in the shank of a type,
to assist a compositor in placing it properly in the
stick, and in distribution. --W. Savage.
(c) A broken or indented place in any edge or surface;
nicks in china.
2. A particular point or place considered as marked by a
nick; the exact point or critical moment.
To cut it off in the very nick. --Howell.
This nick of time is the critical occasion for the
gainger of a point. --L'Estrange.
Nick \Nick\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Nicked}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Nicking}.]
1. To make a nick or nicks in; to notch; to keep count of or
upon by nicks; as, to nick a stick, tally, etc.
2. To mar; to deface; to make ragged, as by cutting nicks or
notches in.
And thence proceed to nicking sashes. --Prior.
The itch of his affection should not then Have
nicked his captainship. --Shak.
3. To suit or fit into, as by a correspondence of nicks; to
tally with.
Words nicking and resembling one another are
applicable to different significations. --Camden.
4. To hit at, or in, the nick; to touch rightly; to strike at
the precise point or time.
The just season of doing things must be nicked, and
all accidents improved. --L'Estrange.
5. To make a cross cut or cuts on the under side of (the tail
of a horse, in order to make him carry ir higher).
Nick \Nick\, v. t.
To nickname; to style. [Obs.]
For Warbeck, as you nick him, came to me. --Ford.
Nickar nut \Nick"ar nut`\, Nickar tree \Nick"ar tree`\ (Bot.)
Same as {Nicker nut}, {Nicker tree}.
Nickel \Nick"el\, n. [G., fr. Sw. nickel, abbrev. from Sw.
kopparnickel copper-nickel, a name given in derision, as it
was thought to be a base ore of copper. The origin of the
second part of the word is uncertain. Cf. {Kupfer-nickel},
{Copper-nickel}.]
1. (Chem.) A bright silver-white metallic element. It is of
the iron group, and is hard, malleable, and ductile. It
occurs combined with sulphur in millerite, with arsenic in
the mineral niccolite, and with arsenic and sulphur in
nickel glance. Symbol Ni. Atomic weight 58.6.
Note: On account of its permanence in air and inertness to
oxidation, it is used in the smaller coins, for plating
iron, brass, etc., for chemical apparatus, and in
certain alloys, as german silver. It is magnetic, and
is very frequently accompanied by cobalt, both being
found in meteoric iron.
2. A small coin made of or containing nickel; esp., a
five-cent piece. [Colloq. U.S.]
{Nickel silver}, an alloy of nickel, copper, and zinc; --
usually called {german silver}; called also {argentan}.
Nickelic \Nick*el"ic\, a. (Chem.)
Pertaining to, or containing, nickel; specifically,
designating compounds in which, as contrasted with the
nickelous compounds, the metal has a higher valence; as
nickelic oxide.
Nickeliferous \Nick`el*if"er*ous\, a. [Nickel + -ferous.]
Containing nickel; as, nickelferous iron.
Nickeline \Nick"el*ine\ (? or ?), n.
1. (Chem.) An alloy of nickel, a variety of German silver.
2. (Min.) Niccolite.
Nickelous \Nick"el*ous\, a. (Chem.)
Of, pertaining to, or designating, those compounds of nickel
in which, as contrasted with the nickelic compounds, the
metal has a lower valence; as, nickelous oxide. --Frankland.
Nicker \Nick"er\, n. [From {Nick}, v. t.]
1. One of the night brawlers of London formerly noted for
breaking windows with half-pence. [Cant] --Arbuthnot.
2. The cutting lip which projects downward at the edge of a
boring bit and cuts a circular groove in the wood to limit
the size of the hole that is bored.
Nicker nut \Nick"er nut`\
A rounded seed, rather smaller than a nutmeg, having a hard
smooth shell, and a yellowish or bluish color. The seeds grow
in the prickly pods of tropical, woody climbers of the genus
{C[ae]salpinia}. {C. Bonduc} has yellowish seeds; {C.
Bonducella}, bluish gray. [Spelt also {neckar nut}, {nickar
nut}.]
Nicker tree \Nick"er tree`\ (Bot.)
The plant producing nicker nuts. [Written also {neckar tree}
and {nickar tree}.]
Nicking \Nick"ing\, n. [From {Nick}, v. t.] (Coal Mining)
(a) The cutting made by the hewer at the side of the face.
(b) pl. Small coal produced in making the nicking.
Nickle \Nic"kle\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
The European woodpecker, or yaffle; -- called also {nicker
pecker}.
Nicknack \Nick"nack`\, n.
See {Knickknack}.
Nicknackery \Nick"nack`er*y\, n.
See {Knickknackery}.
Nickname \Nick"name`\, n. [OE. ekename surname, hence, a
nickname, an ekename being understood as a nekename,
influenced also by E. nick, v. See {Eke}, and {Name}.]
A name given in contempt, derision, or sportive familiarity;
a familiar or an opprobrious appellation.
Nickname \Nick"name`\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Nicknamed}; p. pr. &
vb. n. {Nicknaming}.]
To give a nickname to; to call by a nickname.
You nickname virtue; vice you should have spoke.
--Shak.
I altogether disclaim what has been nicknamed the
doctrine of finality. --Macaulay.
Nicolaitan \Ni`co*la"i*tan\, n. [So called from Nicolas of
Antioch, mentioned in Acts vi. 5.] (Eccl. Hist.)
One of certain corrupt persons in the early church at
Ephesus, who are censured in rev. ii. 6, 15.
Nicotian \Ni*co"tian\, n. [F. nicotiane; -- so called from
Nicot, who introduced it into France, a. d. 1560.]
Tobacco. [R.] --B. Jonson.
Nicotian \Ni*co"tian\, a.
Pertaining to, or derived from, tobacco. [R.] --Bp. Hall.
Nicotiana \Ni*co`ti*a"na\, n. [NL. See {Nicotian}.] (Bot.)
A genus of American and Asiatic solanaceous herbs, with
viscid foliage and funnel-shaped blossoms. Several species
yield tobacco. See {Tobacco}.
Nicotianine \Ni*co"ti*a*nine\ (? or ?), n. [F. nicotianine. See
{Nicotian}.] (Chem.)
A white waxy substance having a hot, bitter taste, extracted
from tobacco leaves and called also {tobacco camphor}.
Nicotic \Ni*cot"ic\, a. (Chem.)
Nicotinic.
Nicotidine \Ni*cot"i*dine\ (? or ?), n. [Nicotine + pyridine.]
(Chem.)
A complex, oily, nitrogenous base, isomeric with nicotine,
and obtained by the reduction of certain derivatives of the
pyridine group.
Nicotine \Nic"o*tine\ (? or ?), n. [F. nicotine. See
{Nicotian}.] (Chem.)
An alkaloid which is the active principle of tobacco. It is a
colorless, transparent, oily liquid, having an acrid odor,
and an acrid burning taste. It is intensely poisonous. --Ure.
Nicotinic \Nic`o*tin"ic\, a. (Chem.)
Pertaining to, or derived from, nicotine; nicotic; -- used
specifically to designate an acid related to pyridine,
obtained by the oxidation of nicotine, and called nicotinic
acid.
Nictate \Nic"tate\, v. i. [L. nictare, nictatum, from nicere to
beckon.]
To wink; to nictitate.
Nictation \Nic*ta"tion\, n. [L. nictatio ? cf. F. nictation.]
the act of winking; nictitation.
Nictitate \Nic"ti*tate\, v. i. [See {Nictate}.]
To wink; to nictate.
{Nictitating membrance} (Anat.), a thin membrance, found in
many animals at the inner angle, or beneath the lower lid,
of the eye, and capable of being drawn across the eyeball;
the third eyelid; the haw.
Nictitation \Nic`ti*ta"tion\, n.
The act of winking.
Nidamental \Nid`a*men"tal\, a. [L. nidamentum materials for a
nest, fr. nidus nest. See {Nest}.] (Zo["o]l.)
Of, pertaining to, or baring, eggs or egg capsules; as, the
nidament capsules of certain gastropods; nidamental glands.
See Illust. of {Dibranchiata}.
Nidary \Ni"da*ry\, n. [L. nidus a nest.]
A collection of nests. [R.] --velyn.
Nide \Nide\, n. [L. nidus a nest: cf. F. nid.]
A nestful; a brood; as, a nide of pheasants. [Obs.]
Nidering \Ni"der*ing\, a. [See {Niding}.]
Infamous; dastardly. [Obs.] --Sir W. Scott.
Nidgery \Nidg"er*y\, n. [See {Nidget}.]
A trifle; a piece of foolery. [Obs.] --Skinner.
Nidget \Nidg"et\, n. [Written also {nigget}, {nigeot}.] [Cf. F.
nigaud a boody, fool, OF. niger to play the fool.]
A fool; an idiot, a coward. [Obs.] --Camden.
Nidificate \Nid"i*fi*cate\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Nidificated};
p. pr. & vb. n. {Nidificating}.] [L. nidificare, nidificatum;
nidus nest + -ficare (in comp.) to make. See {-fy}, and cf.
{nest}.]
To make a nest.
Where are the fishes which nidificated in trees?
--Lowell.
Nidification \Nid`i*fi*ca"tion\, n. [Cf. F. nidification.]
The act or process of building a nest.
Niding \Ni"ding\ (n[imac]"d[i^]ng), n. [Written also {nithing}.]
[AS. n[imac][eth]ing, fr. n[imac][eth] wickness, malice,
hatred.]
A coward; a dastard; -- a term of utmost opprobrium. [Obs.]
He is worthy to be called a niding. --Howell.
Nidor \Ni"dor\, n. [L.]
Scent or savor of meat or food, cooked or cooking. [Obs.]
--Jer. Taylor.
Nidorose \Ni"dor*ose`\, a.
Nidorous. [R.] --Arbuthnot.
Nidorous \Ni"dor*ous\, a. [L. nidorosus steaming, reeking: cf.
F. nidoreux. See {Nidor}.]
Resembling the smell or taste of roast meat, or of corrupt
animal matter. [R.]
Nidulant \Nid"u*lant\, a. [L. nidulans, p. pr.: cf. F.
{Nidulant}.]
1. Nestling, as a bird in itss nest.
2. (Bot.) Lying loose in pulp or cotton within a berry or
pericarp, as in a nest.
Nidulate \Nid"u*late\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Nidulated}; p. pr. &
vb. n. {Nidulating}.] [L. nidulari, fr. nidulus, dim. of
nidus a nest.]
To make a nest, as a bird. [R.] --Cockeram.
Nidulation \Nid`u*la"tion\, n.
The time of remaining in the nest. [R.] --Sir T. Browne.
Nidulite \Nid"u*lite\, n. [L. nidulus a little nest.] (Paleon.)
A Silurian fossil, formerly supposed to consist of eggs.
Nidus \Ni"dus\, n.; pl. {nidi}. [L. See {Nidi}, {Nest}.]
A nest: a repository for the eggs of birds, insects, etc.; a
breeding place; esp., the place or substance where parasites
or the germs of a disease effect lodgment or are developed.
Niece \Niece\, n. [OE. nece, F. ni[`e]ce, LL. neptia, for L.
neptis a granddaughter, niece, akin to nepos. See {Nephew}.]
1. A relative, in general; especially, a descendant, whether
male or female; a granddaughter or a grandson. [Obs.] --B.
Jonson. Wyclif. Shak.
2. A daughter of one's brother or sister, or of one's
brother-in-law or sister-in-law.
Nief \Nief\, n.
See {Neif}, the fist.
Niellist \Ni*el"list\, n.
One who practices the style of ornamentation called niello.
Niello \Ni*el"lo\, n. [It. niello, LL. nigellum a black of
blackish enamel, fr. L. nigellus, dim. of niger black. See
{Negro}, and cf. {Anneal}.]
1. A metallic alloy of a deep black color.
2. The art, process, or method of decorating metal with
incised designs filled with the black alloy.
3. A piece of metal, or any other object, so decorated.
4. An impression on paper taken from an ancient incised
decoration or metal plate.
Nifle \Ni"fle\, n. [OF.]
A trifle. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Niggard \Nig"gard\, n. [Icel. hn["o]ggr niggardly, stingy +
-ard; cf. Sw. njugg, AS. hne['a]w.]
A person meanly close and covetous; one who spends
grudgingly; a stingy, parsimonous fellow; a miser. --Chaucer.
A penurious niggard of his wealth. --Milton.
Be niggards of advice on no pretense. --Pope.
Niggard \Nig"gard\, a.
Like a niggard; meanly covetous or parsimonious; niggardly;
miserly; stingy.
Niggard \Nig"gard\, v. t. & i.
To act the niggard toward; to be niggardly. [R.] --Shak.
Niggardise \Nig"gard*ise\, n.
Niggardliness. [Obs.] --Spenser.
Niggardish \Nig"gard*ish\, a.
Somewhat niggard.
Niggardliness \Nig"gard*li*ness\, n.
The quality or state of being niggard; meanness in giving or
spending; parsimony; stinginess.
Niggardliness is not good husbandry. --Addison.
Niggardly \Nig"gard*ly\, a.
Meanly covetous or avarcious in dealing with others; stingy;
niggard.
Where the owner of the house will be bountiful, it is
not for the steward to be niggardly. --Bp. Hall.
Syn: Avarcious; covetous; parsimonious; sparing; miserly;
penurios; sordid; stingy. See {Avaricious}.
Niggardly \Nig"gard*ly\, adv.
In a niggard manner.
Niggardness \Nig"gard*ness\, n.
Niggardliness. --Sir P. Sidney.
Niggardous \Nig"gard*ous\, a.
Niggardly. [Obs.]
Covetous gathering and niggardous keeping. --Sir T.
More.
Niggardship \Nig"gard*ship\, n.
Niggardliness. [Obs.] --Sir T. Elyot.
Niggardy \Nig"gard*y\, n.
Niggardliness. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
nigged \nigged\, n. [Prov. E. nig to clip money.] (Masonry)
Hammer-dressed; -- said of building stone.
Nigger \Nig"ger\, n.
A negro; -- in vulgar derision or depreciation.
Niggish \Nig"gish\, a. [See {Niggard}.]
Niggardly. [Obs.]
Niggle \Nig"gle\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Niggled}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Niggling}.] [Dim. of Prov. E. nig to clip money; cf. also
Prov. E. nig a small piece.]
To trifle with; to deceive; to mock. [Obs.] --Beau. & Fl.
Niggle \Nig"gle\, v. t.
1. To trifle or play.
Take heed, daughter, You niggle not with your
conscience and religion. --Massinger.
2. To act or walk mincingly. [Prov. Eng.]
3. To fret and snarl about trifles. [Prov. Eng.]
Niggler \Nig"gler\, n.
One who niggles.
Nigh \Nigh\, a. [Compar. {Nigher}; superl. {Nighest}, or
{Next}.] [OE. nigh, neigh, neih, AS. ne['a]h, n?h; akin to D.
na, adv., OS. n[=a]h, a., OHG. n[=a]h, G. nah, a., nach to,
after, Icel. n[=a] (in comp.) nigh, Goth. n?hw, n?hwa, adv.,
nigh. Cf. {Near}, {Neighbor}, {Next}.]
1. Not distant or remote in place or time; near.
The loud tumult shows the battle nigh. --Prior.
2. Not remote in degree, kindred, circumstances, etc.;
closely allied; intimate. ``Nigh kinsmen.'' --Knolles.
Ye . . . are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
--Eph. ii. 13.
Syn: Near; close; adjacent; contiguous; present; neighboring.
Nigh \Nigh\, adv. [AS. ne['a]h, n?h. See {Nigh}, a.]
1. In a situation near in place or time, or in the course of
events; near.
He was sick, nigh unto death. --Phil. ii.
27.
He drew not nigh unheard; the angel bright, Ere he
drew nigh, his radiant visage turned. --Milton.
2. Almost; nearly; as, he was nigh dead.
Nigh \Nigh\, v. t. & i.
To draw nigh (to); to approach; to come near. [Obs.] --Wyclif
(Matt. iii. 2).
Nigh \Nigh\, prep.
Near to; not remote or distant from. ``was not this nigh
shore?'' --Shak.
Nighly \Nigh"ly\, adv.
In a near relation in place, time, degree, etc.; within a
little; almost. [Obs.]
A cube and a sphere . . . nighly of the same bigness.
--Locke.
Nighness \Nigh"ness\, n.
The quality or state of being nigh. [R.] ``Nighness of
blood.'' --Holished.
Night \Night\, n. [OE. night, niht, AS. neaht, niht; akin to D.
nacht, OS. & OHG. naht, G. nacht, Icel. n?tt, Sw. natt, Dan.
nat, Goth. nachts, Lith. naktis, Russ. noche, W. nos, Ir.
nochd, L. nox, noctis, gr. ?, ?, Skr. nakta, nakti. [root]
265. Cf. {Equinox}, {Nocturnal}.]
1. That part of the natural day when the sun is beneath the
horizon, or the time from sunset to sunrise; esp., the
time between dusk and dawn, when there is no light of the
sun, but only moonlight, starlight, or artificial light.
And God called the light Day, and the darkness he
called Night. --Gen. i. 5.
2. Hence:
(a) Darkness; obscurity; concealment.
Nature and nature's laws lay hid in night.
--Pope.
(b) Intellectual and moral darkness; ignorance.
(c) A state of affliction; adversity; as, a dreary night
of sorrow.
(d) The period after the close of life; death.
She closed her eyes in everlasting night.
--Dryden.
(e) A lifeless or unenlivened period, as when nature seems
to sleep. ``Sad winter's night''. --Spenser.
Note: Night is sometimes used, esp. with participles, in the
formation of self-explaining compounds; as,
night-blooming, night-born, night-warbling, etc.
{Night by night}, {Night after night}, nightly; many nights.
So help me God, as I have watched the night, Ay,
night by night, in studying good for England.
--Shak.
{Night bird}. (Zo["o]l.)
(a) The moor hen ({Gallinula chloropus}).
(b) The Manx shearwater ({Puffinus Anglorum}).
{Night blindness}. (Med.) See {Hemeralopia}.
{Night cart}, a cart used to remove the contents of privies
by night.
{Night churr}, (Zo["o]l.), the nightjar.
{Night crow}, a bird that cries in the night.
{Night dog}, a dog that hunts in the night, -- used by
poachers.
{Night fire}.
(a) Fire burning in the night.
(b) Ignis fatuus; Will-o'-the-wisp; Jask-with-a-lantern.
{Night flyer} (Zo["o]l.), any creature that flies in the
night, as some birds and insects.
{night glass}, a spyglass constructed to concentrate a large
amount of light, so as see objects distinctly at night.
--Totten.
{Night green}, iodine green.
{Night hag}, a witch supposed to wander in the night.
{Night hawk} (Zo["o]l.), an American bird ({Chordeiles
Virginianus}), allied to the goatsucker. It hunts the
insects on which it feeds toward evening, on the wing, and
often, diving down perpendicularly, produces a loud
whirring sound, like that of a spinning wheel. Also
sometimes applied to the European goatsuckers. It is
called also {bull bat}.
{Night heron} ({Zo["o]l}.), any one of several species of
herons of the genus {Nycticorax}, found in various parts
of the world. The best known species is {Nycticorax
griseus}, or {N. nycticorax}, of Europe, and the American
variety (var. n[ae]vius). The yellow-crowned night heron
({Nycticorax violaceus}) inhabits the Southern States.
Called also {qua-bird}, and {squawk}.
{Night house}, a public house, or inn, which is open at
night.
{Night key}, a key for unfastening a night latch.
{Night latch}, a kind of latch for a door, which is operated
from the outside by a key.
{Night monkey} (Zo["o]l.), an owl monkey.
{night moth} (Zo["o]l.), any one of the noctuids.
{Night parrot} (Zo["o]l.), the kakapo.
{Night piece}, a painting representing some night scene, as a
moonlight effect, or the like.
{Night rail}, a loose robe, or garment, worn either as a
nightgown, or over the dress at night, or in sickness.
[Obs.]
{Night raven} (Zo["o]l.), a bird of ill omen that cries in
the night; esp., the bittern.
{Night rule}.
(a) A tumult, or frolic, in the night; -- as if a
corruption, of night revel. [Obs.]
(b) Such conduct as generally rules, or prevails, at
night.
What night rule now about this haunted grove?
--Shak.
{Night sight}. (Med.) See {Nyctolopia}.
{Night snap}, a night thief. [Cant] --Beau. & Fl.
{Night soil}, human excrement; -- so called because in cities
it is collected by night and carried away for manure.
{Night spell}, a charm against accidents at night.
{Night swallow} (Zo["o]l.), the nightjar.
{Night walk}, a walk in the evening or night.
{Night walker}.
(a) One who walks in his sleep; a somnambulist; a
noctambulist.
(b) One who roves about in the night for evil purposes;
specifically, a prostitute who walks the streets.
{Night walking}.
(a) Walking in one's sleep; somnambulism; noctambulism.
(b) Walking the streets at night with evil designs.
{Night warbler} (Zo["o]l.), the sedge warbler ({Acrocephalus
phragmitis}); -- called also {night singer}. [prov. Eng.]
{Night watch}.
(a) A period in the night, as distinguished by the change
of watch.
(b) A watch, or guard, to aford protection in the night.
{Night watcher}, one who watches in the night; especially,
one who watches with evil designs.
{Night witch}. Same as {Night hag}, above.
Night-blooming \Night"-bloom`ing\, a.
Blooming in the night.
{Night-blooming cereus}. (Bot.) See Note under {Cereus}.
Nightcap \Night"cap`\, n.
1. A cap worn in bed to protect the head, or in undress.
2. A potion of spirit drank at bedtime. [Cant] --Wright.
Nightdress \Night"dress`\, n.
A nightgown.
Nighted \Night"ed\, a.
1. Darkness; clouded. [R.] --Shak.
2. Overtaken by night; belated. --Beau. & Fl.
Nightertale \Night"er*tale\, n. [Cf. Icel. n[=a]ttarpel.]
period of night; nighttime. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Night-eyed \Night"-eyed`\, a.
Capable of seeing at night; sharp-eyed. ``Your night-eyed
Tiberius.'' --B. Jonson.
Nightfall \Night"fall`\, n.
The close of the day. --Swift.
Night-faring \Night"-far`ing\, a.
Going or traveling in the night. --Gay.
Nightgown \Night"gown`\, n.
A loose gown used for undress; also, a gown used for a
sleeping garnment.
Nightingale \Night"in*gale\, n. [OE. nihtegale,nightingale, AS.
nihtegale; niht night + galan to sing, akin to E. yell; cf.
D. nachtegaal, OS. nahtigala, OHG. nahtigala, G. nachtigall,
Sw. n["a]ktergal, Dan. nattergal. See {Night}, and {Yell}.]
1. (Zo["o]l.) A small, plain, brown and gray European song
bird ({Luscinia luscinia}). It sings at night, and is
celebrated for the sweetness of its song.
2. (Zo["o]l.) A larger species ({Lucinia philomela}), of
Eastern Europe, having similar habits; the thrush
nightingale. The name is also applied to other allied
species.
{Mock nightingale}. (Zo["o]l.) See {Blackcap}, n., 1
(a) .
Nightish \Night"ish\, a.
Of or pertaining to night.
Nightjar \Night"jar`\, n.
A goatsucker, esp. the European species. See Illust. of
{Goatsucker}.
Nightless \Night"less\, a.
Having no night.
Nightlong \Night"long`\ (?; 115), a.
Lasting all night.
Nightly \Night"ly\, a.
Of or pertaining to the night, or to every night; happening
or done by night, or every night; as, nightly shades; he kept
nightly vigils.
Nightly \Night"ly\, adv.
At night; every night.
Nightman \Night"man\, n.; pl. {Nightmen}.
One whose business is emptying privies by night.
Nightmare \Night"mare`\, n. [Night + mare incubus. See {Mare}
incubus.]
1. A fiend or incubus formerly supposed to cause trouble in
sleep.
2. A condition in sleep usually caused by improper eating or
by digestive or nervous troubles, and characterized by a
sense of extreme uneasiness or discomfort (as of weight on
the chest or stomach, impossibility of motion or speech,
etc.), or by frightful or oppressive dreams, from which
one wakes after extreme anxiety, in a troubled state of
mind; incubus. --Dunglison.
3. Hence, any overwhelming, oppressive, or stupefying
influence.
Nightshade \Night"shade`\, n. [AS. nichtscadu.] (Bot.)
A common name of many species of the genus {Solanum}, given
esp. to the {Solanum nigrum}, or black nightshade, a low,
branching weed with small white flowers and black berries
reputed to be poisonous.
{Deadly nightshade}. Same as {Belladonna}
(a) .
{Enchanter's nightshade}. See under {Enchanter}.
{Stinking nightshade}. See {Henbane}.
{Three-leaved nightshade}. See {Trillium}.
Nightshirt \Night"shirt`\, n.
A kind of nightgown for men.
Nighttime \Night"time`\, n.
The time from dusk to dawn; -- opposed to {daytime}.
Nightward \Night"ward\, a.
Approaching toward night.
Nigraniline \Ni*gran"i*line\ (? or ?), n. [L. niger black + E.
aniline.] (Chem.)
The complex, nitrogenous, organic base and dyestuff called
also {aniline black}.
Nigrescent \Ni*gres"cent\, a. [L. nigrescens, p. pr. of
nigrescere to grow black, fr. niger black. See {Negro}.]
Growing black; changing to a black color; approaching to
blackness. --Johnson.
Nigrification \Nig`ri*fi*ca"tion\, n. [L. nigrificare to
blacken; niger black + -ficare (in comp.) to make. See
{-fy}.]
The act or process of making black. [R.] --Johnson.
Nigrine \Ni"grine\, n. [L. niger black: cf. F. nigrine.] (Min.)
A ferruginous variety of rutile.
Nigritude \Nig"ri*tude\, n. [L. nigritudo, fr. niger black.]
Blackness; the state of being black. --Lamb.
Nigromancie \Nig"ro*man`cie\, n.
Necromancy. [Obs.]
Nigromancien \Nig"ro*man`cien\, n.
A necromancer. [Obs.]
These false enchanters or nigromanciens. --Chaucer.
Nigrosine \Ni"gro*sine\ (? or ?), n. [From L. niger black.]
(Chem.)
A dark blue dyestuff, of the induline group; -- called also
{azodiphenyl blue}.
Nigua \Ni"gua\, n. [Sp.] (Zo["o]l.)
The chigoe.
Nihil \Ni"hil\, n. [L.]
Nothing.
{Nihil album} [L., white nothing] (Chem.), oxide of zinc. See
under {Zinc}.
{Nihil debet} [L., he owes nothing] (Law), the general issue
in certain actions of debt.
{Nihil dicit} [L., he says nothing] (Law), a declinature by
the defendant to plead or answer. --Tomlins.
Nihilism \Ni"hil*ism\, n. [L. nihil nothing: cf. F. nihilisme.
See {Annihilate}.]
1. Nothingness; nihility.
2. The doctrine that nothing can be known; scepticism as to
all knowledge and all reality.
3. (Politics) The theories and practices of the Nihilists.
Nihilist \Ni"hil*ist\, n. [Cf. F. nihiliste. See {Nihilism}.]
1. One who advocates the doctrine of nihilism; one who
believes or teaches that nothing can be known, or asserted
to exist.
2. (Politics) A member of a secret association (esp. in
Russia), which is devoted to the destruction of the
present political, religious, and social institutions.
Nihilistic \Ni`hil*is"tic\, a.
Of, pertaining to, or characterized by, nihilism.
Nihility \Ni*hil"i*ty\, n. [Cf. F. nihilit['e]. See {Nihilism}.]
Nothingness; a state of being nothing.
Nil \Nil\ [See {Nill}, v. t.]
Will not. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Nil \Nil\, n. & a. [L., a contr. of nihil.]
Nothing; of no account; worthless; -- a term often used for
canceling, in accounts or bookkeeping. --A. J. Ellis.
Nile \Nile\, n. [L. Nilus, gr. ?.]
The great river of Egypt.
{Nile bird}. (Zo["o]l.)
(a) The wryneck. [Prov. Eng.]
(b) The crocodile bird.
{Nile goose} (Zo["o]l.), the Egyptian goose. See Note under
{Goose}, 2.
Nilgau \Nil"gau\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
see {Nylghau}.
Nill \Nill\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Nilled}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Nilling}.] [AS. nilan, nyllan; ne not + willan to will. See
{No}, and {Will}.]
Not to will; to refuse; to reject. [Obs.]
Certes, said he, I nill thine offered grace. --Spenser.
Nill \Nill\, v. i.
To be unwilling; to refuse to act.
The actions of the will are ``velle'' and ``nolle,'' to
will and nill. --Burton.
{Will he, nill he}, whether he wills it or not.
Nill \Nill\, n. [Cf. Ir. & Gael. neul star, light. Cf.
{Nebula}.]
1. Shining sparks thrown off from melted brass.
2. Scales of hot iron from the forge. --Knight.
Nilometer \Ni*lom"e*ter\, n. [Gr. ?; ? the Nile + ? measure: cf.
F. nilom[`e]tre.]
An instrument for measuring the rise of water in the Nile
during its periodical flood.
Niloscope \Ni"lo*scope\, n. [Gr. ?; ? the Nile + ? to observe.]
A Nilometer.
Nilotic \Ni*lot"ic\, a. [L. Niloticus, fr. Nilus th Nile, Gr. ?:
cf. F. nilotique.]
Of or pertaining to the river Nile; as, the Nilotic
crocodile.
Nilt \Nilt\ [Contr. fr. ne wilt.]
Wilt not. [Obs.]
Nim \Nim\, v. t. [imp. {Nam}or {Nimmed}; p. p. {Nomen}or
{Nome}.] [AS. niman. [root] 7. Cf. {Nimble}.]
To take; to steal; to filch. [Obs.]
This canon it in his hand nam. --Chaucer.
Nimbiferous \Nim*bif"er*ous\, a. [L. nimbifer; nimbus a cloud +
ferre to bear.]
Serving to bring clouds or stormy weather.
Nimble \Nim"ble\, a. [Compar. {Nimbler}; superl. {Nimblest}.]
[OE. nimel, prob. orig., quick at seizing, fr. nimen to take,
AS. niman; akin to D. nemen, G. nehmen, OHG. neman, Icel.
nema, Goth. nima, and prob. to Gr. ? to distribute. [root] 7.
Cf. {Nomand}, {Numb}.]
Light and quick in motion; moving with ease and celerity;
lively; swift.
Through the mid seas the nimble pinnace sails. --Pope.
Note: Nimble is sometimes used in the formation of
self-explaining compounds; as, nimble-footed,
nimble-pinioned, nimble-winged, etc.
{Nimble Will} (Bot.), a slender, branching, American grass
({Muhlenbergia diffusa}), of some repute for grazing
purposes in the Mississippi valley.
Syn: Agile; quick; active; brisk; lively; prompt.
Nimbleness \Nim"ble*ness\, n.
The quality of being nimble; lightness and quickness in
motion; agility; swiftness.
Nimbless \Nim"bless\, n.
Nimbleness. [Obs.] --Spenser.
Nimbly \Nim"bly\, adv.
In a nimble manner; with agility; with light, quick motion.
Nimbose \Nim*bose"\, a. [L. nimbosus, fr. nimbus cloud.]
Cloudy; stormy; tempestuous.
Nimbus \Nim"bus\, n.; pl. L. {Nimbi}, E. {Nimbuses}. [L., a rain
storm, a rain cloud, the cloudshaped which enveloped the gods
when they appeared on earth.]
1. (Fine Arts) A circle, or disk, or any indication of
radiant light around the heads of divinities, saints, and
sovereigns, upon medals, pictures, etc.; a halo. See
{Aureola}, and {Glory}, n., 5.
Note: ``The nimbus is of pagan origin.'' ``As an atribute of
power, the nimbus is often seen attached to the heads
of evil spirits.'' --Fairholl.
2. (Meteor.) A rain cloud; one of the four principal
varieties of clouds. See {Cloud}.
Nimiety \Ni*mi"e*ty\, n. [L. nimietas, fr. nimius, a., nimis,
adv., too much.]
State of being in excess. [R.]
There is a nimiety, a too-muchess, in all Germans.
--Coleridge.
Nimious \Nim"i*ous\, a. [L. nimius.]
Excessive; extravagant; inordinate. [Obs.]
Nimmer \Nim"mer\, n. [From {Nim}.]
A thief. [Obs.]
Nin \Nin\ [Fr. ne in.]
Not in. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Nincompoop \Nin"com*poop\, n. [A corruption of non compos.]
A fool; a silly or stupid person. [Law]
An old ninnyhammer, a dotard, a nincompoop, is the best
language she can afford me. --Addison.
Nine \Nine\, a. [OE. nine, nihen, AS. nigon, nigan; akin to D. &
LG. negen, OS. & OFries. nigun, OHG. niun, G. neun, Icel.
n[=i]u, sw. nio, Dan. ni, Goth. niun, Ir. & Gael. naoi, W.
naw, L. novem, gr. ?, Skr. navan; of unknown origin.
[root]307. Cf. {Novembeer}.]
Eight and one more; one less than ten; as, nine miles.
{Nine men's morris}. See {Morris}.
{Nine points circle} (Geom.), a circle so related to any
given triangle as to pass through the three points in
which the perpendiculars from the angles of the triangle
upon the opposite sides (or the sides produced) meet the
sides. It also passes through the three middle points of
the sides of the triangle and through the three middle
points of those parts of the perpendiculars that are
between their common point of meeting and the angles of
the triangle. The circle is hence called the {nine points
or six points circle}.
Nine \Nine\, n.
1. The number greater than eight by a unit; nine units or
objects.
2. A symbol representing nine units, as 9 or ix.
{The Nine}, the nine Muses.
Nine-bark \Nine"-bark`\, n. (Bot.)
A white-flowered rosaceous shrub ({Neillia, or Spir[ae]a,
opulifolia}), common in the Northern United States. The bark
separates into many thin layers, whence the name.
Nine-eyes \Nine"-eyes`\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
The lamprey.
Ninefold \Nine"fold`\, a.
Nine times repeated.
Nineholes \Nine"holes`\, n. pl.
A game in which nine holes are made in the ground, into which
a ball is bowled.
Nine-killer \Nine"-kill`er\, n. [So called because it is
believed to kill and impale on thorns nine birds, etc., in
succession.] (Zo["o]l.)
The northern butcher bird.
Ninepence \Nine"pence\, n.; pl. {Ninepences}.
1. An old English silver coin, worth nine pence.
2. A New England name for the Spanish real, a coin formerly
current in the United States, as valued at twelve and a
half cents.
Ninepins \Nine"pins\, n. pl.
A game played with nine pins, or pieces of wood, set on end,
at which a wooden ball is bowled to knock them down; bowling.
Note: In the United States, ten pins are used for this game,
which is therefore often called tenpins.
Ninescore \Nine"score`\, a.
Nine times twenty, or one hundred and eighty. -- n. The
product of nine times twenty; ninescore units or objects.
Nineteen \Nine"teen`\, a. [AS. nigont?ne, nigont?ne. See {Nine},
and {Ten}.]
Nine and ten; eighteen and one more; one less than twenty;
as, nineteen months.
Nineteen \Nine"teen`\, n.
1. The number greater than eighteen by a unit; the sum of ten
and nine; nineteen units or objects.
2. A symbol for nineteen units, as 19 or xix.
Nineteenth \Nine"teenth`\, a. [Cf. AS. nigonte['o]?a.]
1. Following the eighteenth and preceding the twentieth;
coming after eighteen others.
2. Constituting or being one of nineteen equal parts into
which anything is divided.
Nineteenth \Nine"teenth`\, n.
1. The quotient of a unit divided by nineteen; one of
nineteen equal parts of anything.
2. The next in order after the eighteenth.
3. (Mus.) An interval of two octaves and a fifth.
Ninetieth \Nine"ti*eth\, a.
1. Next in order after the eighty-ninth.
2. Constituting or being one of ninety equal parts.
Ninetieth \Nine"ti*eth\, n.
1. The quotient of a unit divided by ninety; one of ninety
equal parts of anything.
2. The next in order after the eighty-ninth.
Ninety \Nine"ty\, a. [See {Nine}, and cf. {Forty}.]
Nine times ten; eighty-nine and one more; as, ninety men.
Ninety \Nine"ty\, n.; pl. {Nineties}.
1. The sum of nine times ten; the number greater by a unit
than eighty-nine; ninety units or objects.
2. A symbol representing ninety units, as 90 or xc.
Ninny \Nin"ny\, n.; pl. {Ninnies}. [Cf. It. ninno, ninna, a
baby, Sp. ni[~n]o, ni[~n]a, child, infant, It. ninna, ninna
nanna, lullably, prob. fr. ni, na, as used in singing a child
to sleep.]
A fool; a simpleton. --Shak.
Ninnyhammer \Nin"ny*ham`mer\, n.
A simpleton; a silly person. [Colloq.] --Addison.
Ninth \Ninth\, a. [From {Nine}; cf. AS. nigo[eth]a.]
1. Following the eight and preceding the tenth; coming after
eight others.
2. Constituting or being one of nine equal parts into which
anything is divided.
Ninth \Ninth\, n.
1. The quotient of one divided by nine; one of nine equal
parts of a thing; the next after the eighth.
2. (Mus.)
(a) An interval containing an octave and a second.
(b) A chord of the dominant seventh with the ninth added.
Ninthly \Ninth"ly\, adv.
In the ninth place.
Ninut \Nin"ut\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
The magpie. [Prov. Eng.]
Niobate \Ni"o*bate\, n. [See {Niobium}.] (Chem.)
Same as {Columbate}.
Niobe \Ni"o*be\, n. [L. Nioba, Niobe, gr. ?.] (Class, Myth.)
The daughter of Tantalus, and wife of Amphion, king of
Thebes. Her pride in her children provoked Apollo and Diana,
who slew them all. Niobe herself was changed by the gods into
stone.
Niobic \Ni*ob"ic\, a. (Chem.)
Same as {Columbic}.
Niobite \Ni"o*bite\, n. (Min.)
Same as {Columbite}.
Niobium \Ni*o"bi*um\, n. [NL., fr. L. & E. {Niobe}.] (Chem.)
A later name of columbium. See {Columbium}.
Niopo \Ni*o"po\, n.
A kind of snuff prepared by the natives of Venezuela from the
roasted seeds of a leguminous tree ({Piptadenia peregrina}),
thence called {niopo tree}.
Nip \Nip\, n. [LG. & D. nippen to sip; akin to Dan. nippe, G.
nippen.]
A sip or small draught; esp., a draught of intoxicating
liquor; a dram.
Nip \Nip\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Nipped}, less properly {Nipt};
p. pr. & vb. n. {Nipping}.] [OE. nipen; cf. D. niipen to
pinch, also knippen to nip, clip, pinch, snap, knijpen to
pinch, LG. knipen, G. kneipen, kneifen, to pinch, cut off,
nip, Lith. knebti.]
1. To catch and inclose or compress tightly between two
surfaces, or points which are brought together or closed;
to pinch; to close in upon.
May this hard earth cleave to the Nadir hell, Down,
down, and close again, and nip me flat, If I be such
a traitress. --Tennyson.
2. To remove by pinching, biting, or cutting with two meeting
edges of anything; to clip.
The small shoots . . . must be nipped off.
--Mortimer.
3. Hence: To blast, as by frost; to check the growth or vigor
of; to destroy.
4. To vex or pain, as by nipping; hence, to taunt.
And sharp remorse his heart did prick and nip.
--Spenser.
{To nip in the bud}, to cut off at the verycommencement of
growth; to kill in the incipient stage.
Nip \Nip\, n.
1. A seizing or closing in upon; a pinching; as, in the
northern seas, the nip of masses of ice.
2. A pinch with the nails or teeth.
3. A small cut, or a cutting off the end.
4. A blast; a killing of the ends of plants by frost.
5. A biting sarcasm; a taunt. --Latimer.
6. (Naut.) A short turn in a rope.
{Nip and tuck}, a phrase signifying equality in a contest.
[Low, U.S.]
Nipper \Nip"per\, n.
1. One who, or that which, nips.
2. A fore tooth of a horse. The nippers are four in number.
3. A satirist. [Obs.] --Ascham.
4. A pickpocket; a young or petty thief. [Old Cant]
5. (Zo["o]l.)
(a) The cunner.
(b) A European crab ({Polybius Henslowii}).
Nipperkin \Nip"per*kin\, n. [See 1st {Nip}.]
A small cup. [Obs.]
Nippers \Nip"pers\, n. pl. [From 2d {Nip}.]
1. Small pinchers for holding, breaking, or cutting.
2. (Mach.) A device with fingers or jaws for seizing an
object and holding or conveying it; as, in a printing
press, a clasp for catching a sheet and conveying it to
the form.
3. (Naut.) A number of rope-yarns wound together, used to
secure a cable to the messenger.
Nipping \Nip"ping\, a.
Biting; pinching; painful; destructive; as, a nipping frost;
a nipping wind.
Nippingly \Nip"ping*ly\, adv.
In a nipping manner.
Nippitate \Nip"pi*tate\, a. [Cf. 1st {Nip}.]
Peculiary strong and good; -- said of ale or liquor. [Old
Cant]
'T will make a cup of wine taste nippitate. --Chapman.
Nippitato \Nip`pi*ta"to\, n.
Strong liquor. [Old Cant] --Beau. & Fl.
Nipple \Nip"ple\, n. [Formerly neble, a dim. of neb. See {Neb},
{Nib}.]
1. (Anat.) The protuberance through which milk is drawn from
the breast or mamma; the mammilla; a teat; a pap.
2. The orifice at which any animal liquid, as the oil from an
oil bag, is discharged. [R.] --Derham.
3. Any small projection or article in which there is an
orifice for discharging a fluid, or for other purposes;
as, the nipple of a nursing bottle; the nipple of a
percussion lock, or that part on which the cap is put and
through which the fire passes to the charge.
4. (Mech.) A pipe fitting, consisting of a short piece of
pipe, usually provided with a screw thread at each end,
for connecting two other fittings.
{Solder nipple}, a short pipe, usually of brass, one end of
which is tapered and adapted for attachment to the end of
a lead pipe by soldering.
Nipplewort \Nip"ple*wort`\, n. (Bot.)
A yellow-flowered composite herb ({Lampsana communis}),
formerly used as an external application to the nipples of
women; -- called also {dock-cress}.
Nirvana \Nir*va"na\, n. [Skr. nirv[=a][.n]a.]
In the Buddhist system of religion, the final emancipation of
the soul from transmigration, and consequently a beatific
enfrachisement from the evils of wordly existence, as by
annihilation or absorption into the divine. See {Buddhism}.
Nis \Nis\ [From ne is.]
Is not. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Nisan \Ni"san\, n. [Heb. n[=i]s[=a]n.]
The first month of the jewish ecclesiastical year, formerly
answering nearly to the month of April, now to March, of the
Christian calendar. See {Abib}.
Nisey \Ni"sey\, n.; pl. {Nyseys}.
A simpleton. [Obs.]
Nisi \Ni"si\, conj. [L.]
Unless; if not.
Note: In legal proceedings, this word is used to indicate
that any order, etc., shall take effect at a given
time, unless before that time the order, etc., in
modified, or something else is done to prevent its
taking effect. Continuance nisi is a conditional
continuance of the case till the next term of the
court, unless otherwise disposed of in the mean time.
{Nisi prius} (Law), unless before; -- a phrase applied to
terms of court, held generally by a single judge, with a
jury, for the trial of civil causes. The term originated
in a legal fiction. An issue of fact being made up, it is,
according to the English practice, appointed by the entry
on the record, or written proceedings, to be tried by a
jury from the county of which the proceedings are dated,
at Westminster, unless before the day appointed (nisi
prius) the judges shall have come to the county in
question (which they always do) and there try the cause.
See {In banc}, under {Banc}.
Niste \Nis"te\ [Contr. from ne wiste.]
Wist not; knew not. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Nisus \Ni"sus\, n. [L., fr. niti, p. p. nisus, to strive.]
A striving; an effort; a conatus.
A nisus or energizing towards a presented object.
--Hickok.
Nit \Nit\, n. [AS. hnitu; akin to D. neet, G. niss, OHG. niz;
cf. gr. ?, ?, Icel. gnit, Sw. gnet, Dan. gnid, Russ. & Pol.
gnida, Bohem. hnida, W. nedd.] (Zo["o]l.)
The egg of a louse or other small insect.
{Nit grass} (Bot.), a pretty annual European grass
({Gastridium lendigerum}), with small spikelets somewhat
resembling a nit. It is also found in California and
Chili.
Nitency \Ni"ten*cy\, n. [L. nitens, p. pr. of nitere to shine.]
Brightness; luster. [R.]
Nitency \Ni"ten*cy\, n. [From :. nitens, p. pr. pf niti to
strive.]
Endeavor; rffort; tendency. [R.] --Boyle.
Niter \Ni"ter\, Nitre \Ni"tre\, n. [F. nitre, L. nitrum native
soda, natron, Gr. ?; cf. Ar. nit?n, natr?n natron. Cf.
{Natron}.]
1. (Chem.) A white crystalline semitransparent salt;
potassium nitrate; saltpeter. See {Saltpeter}.
2. (Chem.) Native sodium carbonate; natron. [Obs.]
For though thou wash thee with niter, and take thee
much soap, yet thine iniquity is marked before me.
--Jer. ii. 22.
{Cubic niter}, a deliquescent salt, sodium nitrate, found as
a native incrustation, like niter, in Peru and Chili,
whence it is known also as {Chili saltpeter}.
{Niter bush} (Bot.), a genus ({Nitraria}) of thorny shrubs
bearing edible berries, and growing in the saline plains
of Asia and Northern Africa.
Nithing \Nith"ing\, n. [Obs.]
See {Niding}.
Nitid \Nit"id\, a. [L. nitidus, fr. nitere. See 3d {Neat}.]
1. Bright; lustrous; shining. [R.] --Boyle.
2. Gay; spruce; fine; -- said of persons. [R.] --T. Reeve.
Nitranilic \Ni`tra*nil"ic\, a. [Nitro- + chloranil + -ic.]
(Chem.)
Of, pertaining to, or designating, a complex organic acid
produced as a white crystalline substance by the action of
nitrous acid on hydroquinone.
Nitraniline \Ni*tran"i*line\ (? or ?), n. [Nitro- + aniline.]
(Chem.)
Any one of a series of nitro derivatives of aniline. In
general they are yellow crystalline substances.
Nitrate \Ni"trate\, n. [Cf. F. nitrate.] (Chem.)
A salt of nitric acid.
{Nitrate of silver}, a white crystalline salt ({AgNO3}), used
in photography and as a cauterizing agent; -- called also
{lunar caustic}.
Nitrated \Ni"tra*ted\, a.
1. (Chem.) Combined, or impregnated, with nitric acid, or
some of its compounds.
2. (Photog.) Prepared with nitrate of silver.
Nitratine \Ni"tra*tine\, n. (Min.)
A mineral occurring in transparent crystals, usually of a
white, sometimes of a reddish gray, or lemon-yellow, color;
native sodium nitrate. It is used in making nitric acid and
for manure. Called also {soda niter}.
Nitre \Ni"tre\, n. (Chem.)
See {Niter}.
Nitriary \Ni"tri*a*ry\, n. [See {Niter}.]
An artificial bed of animal matter for the manufacture of
niter by nitrification. See {Nitrification}, 2.
Nitric \Ni"tric\, a. [Cf. F. nitrique. See {Niter}.] (Chem.)
Of, pertaining to, or containing, nitrogen; specifically,
designating any one of those compounds in which, as
contrasted with nitrous compounds, the element has a higher
valence; as, nitric oxide; nitric acid.
{Nitric acid}, a colorless or yellowish liquid obtained by
distilling a nitrate with sulphuric acid. It is powerfully
corrosive, being a strong acid, and in decomposition a
strong oxidizer.
{Nitric anhydride}, a white crystalline oxide of nitrogen
({N2O5}), called {nitric pentoxide}, and regarded as the
anhydride of nitric acid.
{Nitric oxide}, a colorless poisous gas ({NO}) obtained by
treating nitric acid with copper. On contact with the air
or with oxygen, it becomes reddish brown from the
formation of nitric dioxide or peroxide.
Nitride \Ni"tride\ (? or ?), n. [from{Nitrogen}.] (Chem.)
A binary compound of nitrogen with a more metallic element or
radical; as, boric nitride.
Nitriferous \Ni*trif"er*ous\, a. [Niter + -ferous.]
Bearing niter; yielding, or containing, niter.
Nitrification \Ni`tri*fi*ca"tion\, n. [Cf. F. nitrification. see
{Nitrify}.]
1. (Chem.)
(a) The act, process, or result of combining with nitrogen
or some of its compounds.
(b) The act or process of oxidizing nitrogen or its
compounds so as to form nitrous or nitric acid.
2. A process of oxidation, in which nitrogenous vegetable and
animal matter in the presence of air, moisture, and some
basic substances, as lime or alkali carbonate, is
converted into nitrates.
Note: The process is going on at all times in porous soils
and in water contaminated with nitrogenous matter, and
is supposed to be due to the presence of an organized
ferment or ferments, called nitrification ferments. In
former times the process was extensively made use of in
the production of saltpeter.
Nitrifier \Ni"tri*fi`er\, n. (Chem.)
An agent employed in nitrification.
Nitrify \Ni"tri*fy\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Nitrified}; p. pr. &
vb. n. {Nitrifying}.] [Niter + -fy: cf. F. nitrifer. See
{Niter}.] (Chem.)
To combine or impregnate with nitrogen; to convert, by
oxidation, into nitrous or nitric acid; to subject to, or
produce by, nitrification.
Nitrile \Ni"trile\ (? or ?), n. [See {Nitro-}.] (Chem.)
Any one of a series of cyanogen compounds; particularly, one
of those cyanides of alcohol radicals which, by boiling with
acids or alkalies, produce a carboxyl acid, with the
elimination of the nitrogen as ammonia.
Note: The nitriles are named with reference to the acids
produced by their decomposition, thus, hydrocyanic acid
is {formic nitrile}, and methyl cyanide is {acetic
nitrile}.
Nitrite \Ni"trite\, n. [Cf. F. nitrite. See {Niter}.] (Chem.)
A salt of nitrous acid.
{Amyl nitrite}, a yellow oily volatile liquid, used in
medicine as a depressant and a vaso-dilator. Its
inhalation produces an instantaneous flushing of the face.
Nitro- \Ni"tro-\
1. A combining form or an adjective denoting the presence of
niter.
2. (Chem.) A combining form (used also adjectively)
designating certain compounds of nitrogen or of its acids,
as nitrohydrochloric, nitrocalcite; also, designating the
group or radical {NO2}, or its compounds, as nitrobenzene.
{Nitro group}, the radical {NO2}; -- called also {nitroxyl}.
Nitrobenzene \Ni`tro*ben"zene\ (? or ?), n. [Nitro- + benzene.]
(Chem.)
A yellow aromatic liquid ({C6H5.NO2}), produced by the action
of nitric acid on benzene, and called from its odor
{imitation oil of bitter almonds}, or {essence of mirbane}.
It is used in perfumery, and is manufactured in large
quantities in the preparation of aniline. Fornerly called
also {nitrobenzol}.
Nitrobenzol \Ni`tro*ben"zol\, Nitrobenzole \Ni`tro*ben"zole\, (?
or ?), n.
See {Nitrobenzene}.
Nitrocalcite \Ni`tro*cal"cite\, n. [Nitro- + calcite.] (Min.)
Nitrate of calcium, a substance having a grayish white color,
occuring in efforescences on old walls, and in limestone
caves, especially where there exists decaying animal matter.
Nitrocarbol \Ni`tro*car"bol\, n. [Nitro- + carbon + L. oleum
oil.] (Chem.)
See {Nitromethane}.
Nitrocellulose \Ni`tro*cel"lu*lose`\, n. [Nitro- + cellulose.]
(Chem.)
See {Gun cotton}, under {Gun}.
Nitro-chloroform \Ni`tro-chlo"ro*form\, n. [Nitro- +
chloroform.] (Chem.)
Same as {Chlorpicrin}.
Nitroform \Ni"tro*form\, n. [Nitro- + formyl.] (Chem.)
A nitro derivative of methane, analogous to chloroform,
obtained as a colorless oily or crystalline substance,
{CH.(NO2)3}, quite explosive, and having well-defined acid
properties.
Nitrogelatin \Ni`tro*gel"a*tin\, n. [Nitro- + gelatin.]
An explosive consisting of gun cotton and camphor dissolved
in nitroglycerin. [Written also {nitrogelatine}.]
Nitrogen \Ni`tro*gen\, n. [L. nitrum natron + -gen: cf. F.
nitrog[`e]ne. See {Niter}.] (Chem.)
A colorless nonmetallic element, tasteless and odorless,
comprising four fifths of the atmosphere by volume. It is
chemically very inert in the free state, and as such is
incapable of supporting life (hence the name {azote} still
used by French chemists); but it forms many important
compounds, as ammonia, nitric acid, the cyanides, etc, and is
a constituent of all organized living tissues, animal or
vegetable. Symbol N. Atomic weight 14. It was formerly
regarded as a permanent noncondensible gas, but was liquefied
in 1877 by Cailletet of Paris, and Pictet of Geneva.
Nitrogenize \Ni"tro*gen*ize\, v. t. [imp. & p. p.
{Nitrogenized}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Nitrogenizing}.] (Chem.)
To combine, or impregnate, with nitrogen or its compounds.
Nitrogenous \Ni*trog"e*nous\, a. (Chem.)
Of, pertaining to, or resembling, nitrogen; as, a nitrogenous
principle; nitrogenous compounds.
{Nitrogenous foods}. See 2d Note under {Food}, n., 1.
Nitroglycerin \Ni`tro*glyc"er*in\, n. [Nitro- + glycerinn.]
(Chem.)
A liquid appearing like a heavy oil, colorless or yellowish,
and consisting of a mixture of several glycerin salts of
nitric acid, and hence more properly called {glycerin
nitrate}. It is made by the action of nitric acid on glycerin
in the presence of sulphuric acid. It is extremely unstable
and terribly explosive. A very dilute solution is used in
medicine as a neurotic under the name of {glonion}. [Written
also {nitroglycerine}.]
Note: A great number of explosive compounds have been
produced by mixing nitroglycerin with different
substances; as, dynamite, or giant powder,
nitroglycerin mixed with siliceous earth;
lithofracteur, nitroglycerin with gunpowder, or with
sawdust and nitrate of sodium or barium; Colonia
powder, gunpowder with nitroglycerin; dualin,
nitroglycerin with sawdust, or with sawdust and nitrate
of potassium and some other substances; lignose, wood
fiber and nitroglycerin.
Nitrohydrochloric \Ni`tro*hy`dro*chlo"ric\, a. [Nitro- +
hydrochloric.] (Chem.)
Of, pertaining to, or containing, nitric and hydrochloric
acids.
{Nitrohydrochloric acid}, a mixture of nitric and
hydrochloric acids, usually in the proportion of one part
of the former to three of the latter, and remarkable for
its solvent action on gold and platinum; -- called also
{nitromuriatic acid}, and {aqua regia}.
Nitrol \Ni"trol\, n. (Chem.)
Any one of a series of hydrocarbons containing the nitro and
the nitroso or isonitroso group united to the same carbon
atom.
Nitroleum \Ni*tro"le*um\, n. [NL., fr. L. nitrum natron + oleum
oil.] (Chem.)
Nitroglycerin.
Nitrolic \Ni*trol"ic\, a. (Chem.)
Of, derived from, or designating, a nitrol; as, a nitrolic
acid.
Nitromagnesite \Ni`tro*mag"ne*site\, n. [Nitro- + magnesite.]
(Chem.)
Nitrate of magnesium, a saline efflorescence closely
resembling nitrate of calcium.
Nitrometer \Ni*trom"e*ter\, n. [Nitro- + -meter: cf. F.
nitrom[`e]tre.] (Chem.)
An apparatus for determining the amount of nitrogen or some
of its compounds in any substance subjected to analysis; an
azotometer.
Nitromethane \Ni`tro*meth"ane\, n. [Nitro- + methane.] (Chem.)
A nitro derivative of methane obtained as a mobile liquid; --
called also {nitrocarbol}.
Nitromuriatic \Ni`tro*mu`ri*at"ic\, a. [Cf. F. nitromuriatique.
See {Nitro-}, and {Muriatic}.] (Chem.)
Of, pertaining to, or composed of, nitric acid and muriatic
acid; nitrohydrochloric. See {Nitrohydrochloric}.
Nitrophnol \Ni`tro*ph"nol\, n. [Nitro- + phenol.] (Chem.)
Any one of a series of nitro derivatives of phenol. They are
yellow oily or crystalline substances and have well-defined
acid properties, as picric acid.
Nitroprussic \Ni`tro*prus"sic\ (? or ?), a. [Nitro- + prussic.]
(Chem.)
Pertaining to, derived from, or designating, a complex acid
called nitroprussic acid, obtained indirectly by the action
of nitric acid on potassium ferrocyanide (yellow prussiate),
as a red crystalline unstable substance. It forms salts
called nitroprussides, which give a rich purple color with
alkaline subphides.
Nitroprusside \Ni`tro*prus"side\, n.
See {Nitroprussic}.
Nitroquinol \Ni`tro*qui"nol\, n. [Nitro- + quine + -ol.] (Chem.)
A hypothetical nitro derivative of quinol or hydroquinone,
not known in the free state, but forming a well defined
series of derivatives.
Niteosaccharin \Ni`teo*sac"cha*rin\, n. [Nitro- + saccharin.]
(Chem.)
An explosive nitro derivative of certain sugars, analogous to
nitroglycerin, gun cotton, etc.
Nitrosalicylic \Ni`tro*sal`i*cyl"ic\, a. [Nitro- + salicylic.]
(Chem.)
Of, pertaining to, or designating, a nitro derivative of
salicylic acid, called also {anilic acid}.
Nitrose \Ni*trose"\, a. (Chem.)
See {Nitrous}.
Nitroso- \Ni*tro"so-\
(? or ?). (Chem.) A prefix (also used adjectively)
designating the group or radical {NO}, called the nitroso
group, or its compounds.
Nitrosyl \Ni*tro"syl\, n. [Nitroso- + -yl.] (Chem.)
the radical {NO}, called also the {nitroso group}. The term
is sometimes loosely used to designate certain nitro
compounds; as, nitrosyl sulphuric acid. Used also
adjectively.
Nitrosylic \Ni`tro*syl"ic\, a. (Chem.)
Of, pertaining to, or containing, nitrosyl; as, nitrosylic
acid.
Nitrous \Ni"trous\, a. [L. nitrosus full of natron: cf. F.
nitreux. See {Niter}.]
1. Of, pertaining to, or containing, niter; of the quality of
niter, or resembling it.
2. (Chem.) Of, pertaining to, or designating, any one of
those compounds in which nitrogen has a relatively lower
valence as contrasted with nitric compounds.
{Nitrous acid} (Chem.), a hypothetical acid of nitrogen
{HNO2}, not known in the free state, but forming a well
known series of salts, viz., the nitrites.
{Nitrous oxide}. See {Laughing gas}.
Nitroxyl \Ni*trox"yl\, n. [Nitro- + oxygen + -yl.] (Chem.)
The group {NO2}, usually called the {nitro group}.
Nitrum \Ni"trum\, n. [L., natron. See {Niter}.] (Old Chem.)
Niter.
{Nitrum flammans} [L., flaming niter] (Old Chem.), ammonium
nitrate; -- probably so called because it deflagerates
when suddenly heated.
Nitry \Ni"try\, a. (Chem.)
Nitrous. [Obs.]
Nitryl \Ni"tryl\, n. [Nitro- + -yl.] (Chem.)
A name sometimes given to the nitro group or radical.
Nitter \Nit"ter\, n. [From {Nit}.] (Zo["o]l.)
The horselouse; an insect that deposits nits on horses.
Nittily \Nit"ti*ly\, adv.
Lousily. [Obs.] --Haywar?.
Nittings \Nit"tings\, n. pl. [Prob. from {Nit}.] (Mining)
The refuse of good ore. --Raymond.
Nitty \Nit"ty\, a.
Full of nits. --B. Jonson.
Nitty \Nit"ty\, a. [L. nitidus. See {Nitid}.]
Shining; elegant; spruce. [Obs.] ``O sweet, nitty youth.''
--Marston.
Nival \Ni"val\, a. [L. nivalis, fr. nix, nivis, snow.]
Abounding with snow; snowy. [Obs.] --Johnson.
Niveous \Niv"e*ous\, a. [L. niveus, fr. nix, nivis, snow.]
Snowy; resembling snow; partaking of the qualities of snow.
--Sir T. Browne.
Nivose \Ni`vose"\, n. [F., fr. L. nix. nivis, snow.]
The fourth month of the French republican calendar
[1792-1806]. It commenced December 21, and ended January 19.
See {Vend['E]miaire}.
Nix \Nix\, n.; fem. {Nixe}. [G. Cf. 1st {Nick}.] (Teut. Myth.)
One of a class of water spirits, commonly described as of a
mischievous disposition.
The treacherous nixes who entice men to a watery death.
--Tylor.
Nixie \Nix"ie\, n.
See {Nix}.
Nizam \Ni*zam"\, n. [Hind. & Ar. niz[=a]m order, a ruler, fr.
Ar. nazama arrange, govern.]
The title of the native sovereigns of Hyderabad, in India,
since 1719.
No \No\, a. [OE. no, non, the same word as E. none; cf. E. a,
an. See {None}.]
Not any; not one; none.
Let there be no strife . . . between me and thee.
--Gen. xiii.
8.
That goodness is no name, and happiness no dream.
--Byron.
Note: In Old England before a vowel the form non or noon was
used. ``No man.'' ``Noon apothercary.'' --Chaucer.
No \No\, adv. [OE. no, na, AS. n[=a]; ne not + [=a] ever. AS. ne
is akin to OHG. ni, Goth. ni, Russ. ne, Ir., Gael. & W. ni,
L. ne, gr. nh (in comp.), Skr. na, and also to E. prefix un-.
[root] 193. See {Aye}, and cf. {Nay}, {Not}, {Nice},
{Nefarious}.]
Nay; not; not at all; not in any respect or degree; -- a word
expressing negation, denial, or refusal. Before or after
another negative, no is emphatic.
We do no otherwise than we are willed. --Shak.
I am perplx'd and doubtful whether or no I dare accept
this your congratulation. --Coleridge.
There is none righteous, no, not one. --Rom. iii.
10.
No! Nay, Heaven forbid. --Coleridge.
No \No\, n.; pl. {Noes}.
1. A refusal by use of the wordd no; a denial.
2. A negative vote; one who votes in the negative; as, to
call for the ayes and noes; the noes have it.
Noachian \No*a"chi*an\, a.
Of or pertaining to the patriarch Noah, or to his time.
Noah \No"ah\, n. [Heb. N[=o]akh rest.]
A patriarch of Biblical history, in the time of the Deluge.
{Noah's ark}.
(a) (Zo["o]l.) A marine bivalve shell ({Arca No[ae]}), which
somewhat resembles an ark, or ship, in form.
(b) A child's toy, consisting of an ark-shaped box containing
many different wooden animals.
Nob \Nob\, n. [Cf. {Knob}.]
The head. [Low]
Nob \Nob\, n. [Abbrev. fr. noble.]
A person in a superior position in life; a nobleman. [Slang]
Nobbily \Nob"bi*ly\, adv.
In a nobby manner. [Slang]
Nobbler \Nob"bler\, n.
A dram of spirits. [Australia]
Nobby \Nob"by\, a. [From 2d {Nob}.]
Stylish; modish; elegant; showy; aristocratic; fashionable.
[Slang]
Nobiliary \No*bil"ia*ry\, a. [F. nobiliare. See {Noble}.]
Of or pertaining to the nobility. --Fitzed. Hall.
Nobiliary \No*bil"ia*ry\, n.
A history of noble families.
Nobilify \No*bil"i*fy\, v. t. [L. nobilis noble + -fy.]
To make noble; to nobiliate. [Obs.]
Nobilitate \No*bil"i*tate\, v. t. [L. nobilitatus, p. p. of
nobilitare.]
To make noble; to ennoble; to exalt. [Obs.]
Nobilitation \No*bil`i*ta"tion\, n. [Cf. OF. nobilitation.]
The act of making noble. [Obs.] --Dr. H. More.
Nobility \No*bil"i*ty\, n. [L. nobilitas: cf. OF. nobilit['e].
See {Noble}.]
1. The quality or state of being noble; superiority of mind
or of character; commanding excellence; eminence.
Though she hated Amphialus, yet the nobility of her
courage prevailed over it. --Sir P.
Sidney.
They thought it great their sovereign to control,
And named their pride nobility of soul. --Dryden.
2. The state of being of high rank or noble birth; patrician
dignity; antiquity of family; distinction by rank,
station, or title, whether inherited or conferred.
I fell on the same argument of preferring virtue to
nobility of blood and titles, in the story of
Sigismunda. --Dryden.
3. Those who are noble; the collictive body of nobles or
titled persons in a stste; the aristocratic and patrician
class; the peerage; as, the English nobility.
Noble \No"ble\, a. [Compar. {Nobler}; superl. {Noblest}.] [F.
noble, fr. L. nobilis that can be or is known, well known,
famous, highborn, noble, fr. noscere to know. See {know}.]
1. Possessing eminence, elevation, dignity, etc.; above
whatever is low, mean, degrading, or dishonorable;
magnanimous; as, a noble nature or action; a noble heart.
Statues, with winding ivy crowned, belong To nobler
poets for a nobler song. --Dryden.
2. Grand; stately; magnificent; splendid; as, a noble
edifice.
3. Of exalted rank; of or pertaining to the nobility;
distinguished from the masses by birth, station, or title;
highborn; as, noble blood; a noble personage.
Note: Noble is used in the formation of self-explaining
compounds; as, noble-born, noble-hearted, noble-minded.
{Noble metals} (Chem.), silver, gold, and platinum; -- so
called from their freedom from oxidation and permanence in
air. Copper, mercury, aluminium, palladium, rhodium,
iridium, and osmium are sometimes included.
Syn: Honorable; worthy; dignified; elevated; exalted;
superior; sublime; great; eminent; illustrious;
renowned; stately; splendid; magnificent; grand;
magnanimous; generous; liberal; free.
Noble \No"ble\, n.
1. A person of rank above a commoner; a nobleman; a peer.
2. An English money of account, and, formerly, a gold coin,
of the value of 6 s. 8 d. sterling, or about $1.61.
3. (Zo["o]l.) A European fish; the lyrie.
Noble \No"ble\, v. t.
To make noble; to ennoble. [Obs.]
Thou nobledest so far forth our nature. --Chaucer.
Nobleman \No"ble*man\, n.; pl. {Noblemen}.
One of the nobility; a noble; a peer; one who enjoys rank
above a commoner, either by virtue of birth, by office, or by
patent.
Noble-minded \No"ble-mind`ed\, a.
Having a noble mind; honorable; magnanimous. --
{No"ble-mind`ed*ness}, n.
Nobleness \No"ble*ness\, n.
The quality or state of being noble; greatness; dignity;
magnanimity; elevation of mind, character, or station;
nobility; grandeur; stateliness.
His purposes are full honesty, nobleness, and
integrity. --Jer. Taylor.
Nobless \No*bless"\, Noblesse \No*blesse"\ (?; 277), n. [F.
noblesse. See {Noble}.]
1. Dignity; greatness; noble birth or condition. [Obs.]
--Chaucer. Spenser. B. Jonson.
2. The nobility; persons of noble rank collectively,
including males and females. --Dryden.
Noblewoman \No"ble*wom`an\, n.; pl. {Noblewomen}.
A female of noble rank; a peeress.
Nobley \No"bley\, n. [OF. nobleie.]
1. The body of nobles; the nobility. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
2. Noble birth; nobility; dignity. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Nobly \No"bly\, adv.
1. Of noble extraction; as, nobly born or descended.
2. In a noble manner; with greatness of soul; heroically;
with magnanimity; as, a deed nobly done.
3. Splendidly; magnificently.
Syn: Illustriously; honorably; magnanimously; heroically;
worthly; eminently; grandly.
Nobody \No"bod*y\, n.; pl. {Nobodies}. [No, a. + body.]
1. No person; no one; not anybody.
2. Hence: A person of no influence or importance; an
insignificant or contemptible person. [Colloq.]
Nocake \No"cake\, n. [Corrupted fr. Indian nookhik meal.
--Palfrey.]
Indian corn parched, and beaten to powder, -- used for food
by the Northern American Indians.
Nocent \No"cent\, a. [L. nocens, p. pr. of nocere to hurt. See
{Nuisance}, {Noxious}.]
1. Doing hurt, or having a tendency to hurt; hurtful;
mischievous; noxious; as, nocent qualities. --I. Watts.
2. Guilty; -- the opposite of innocent. [Obs.] --Foxe.
Nocent \No"cent\, n.
A criminal. [Obs.] --Sir T. Browne.
Nocently \No"cent*ly\, adv.
Hurtfully; injuriosly. [R.]
Nocive \No"cive\, a. [L. nocivus, fr. nocere to hurt.]
Hurtful; injurious. [R.] --Hooker.
Nock \Nock\, n. [See {Notch}.]
1. A notch.
He took his arrow by the nock. --Chapman.
2. (Naut.) The upper fore corner of a boom sail or of a
trysail.
Nock \Nock\, v. t.
To notch; to fit to the string, as an arrow; to string, as a
bow. --Chapman.
Noctambulation \Noc*tam`bu*la"tion\, n. [L. nox, noctis, night +
ambulare to walk: cf. F. noctambulation.]
Somnambulism; walking in sleep. --Quain.
Noctambulism \Noc*tam"bu*lism\, n.
Somnambulism.
Noctambulist \Noc*tam"bu*list\, n.
A somnambulist.
Noctambulo \Noc*tam"bu*lo\, n.
A noctambulist. [Obs.]
Noctidial \Noc*tid"i*al\, a. [L. nox, noctos, night + dies day.]
Comprising a night and a day; a noctidial day. [R.] --Holder.
Noctiferous \Noc*tif"er*ous\, a. [L. noctifer; nox, noctis +
ferre to bring.]
Bringing night. [Obs.] --Johnson.
Noctilionid \Noc*til"i*o*nid\, n. [Etymol. uncertain.]
(Zo["o]l.)
A South American bat of the genus {Noctilio}, having cheek
pouches and large incisor teeth.
Noctiluca \Noc`ti*lu"ca\, n.; pl. {Noctiluc[AE]}. [L. noctiluca
something that shines by night, fr. nox, noctis, night +
lucere to shine, lux light.]
1. (Old Chem.) That which shines at night; -- a fanciful name
for phosphorus.
2. (Zo["o]l.) A genus of marine flagellate Infusoria,
remarkable for their unusually large size and complex
structure, as well as for their phosphorescence. The
brilliant diffuse phosphorescence of the sea is often due
to myriads of Noctiluc[ae].
Noctilucin \Noc*ti*lu"cin\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
A fatlike substance in certain marine animals, to which they
owe their phosphorescent properties.
Noctilucine \Noc`ti*lu"cine\, a. (Zo["o]l.)
Of or pertaining to Noctiluca.
Noctilucous \Noc`ti*lu"cous\, a.
Shining in the night.
Noctivagant \Noc*tiv"a*gant\, a. [L. nox, noctis, night +
vagans, p. pr. of vagari to wander about.] (Zo["o]l.)
Going about in the night; night-wandering.
Noctivagation \Noc*tiv`a*ga"tion\, n.
A roving or going about in the night. --Gayton.
Noctivagous \Noc*tiv"a*gous\, a. [L. noctivagus; nox, noctis +
vagus wandering.]
Noctivagant.
Noctograph \Noc"to*graph\, n. [L. nox, noctis, night + -graph.]
1. A kind of writing frame for the blind.
2. An instrument or register which records the presence of
watchmen on their beats. --Knight.
Noctuary \Noc"tu*a*ry\ (?; 135), n. [L. noctu by night.]
A record of what passes in the night; a nightly journal; --
distinguished from diary. [R.] --Addison.
Noctuid \Noc"tu*id\, n. [From L. nox, noctis, night.] (Zo["o]l.)
Any one of numerous moths of the family {Noctuid[ae]}, or
{Noctu[ae]lit[ae]}, as the cutworm moths, and armyworm moths;
-- so called because they fly at night. -- a. Of or
pertaining to the noctuids, or family {Noctuid[ae]}.
Noctule \Noc"tule\ (?; 135), n. [F., fr. L. noctua a night owl,
fr. nox, noctis, night.] (Zo["o]l.)
A large European bat ({Vespertilio, or Noctulina,
altivolans}).
Nocturn \Noc"turn\, n. [F. nocturne, fr. L. nocturnus. See
{Nocturnal}, and cf. {Nocturne}.]
1. An office of devotion, or act of religious service, by
night.
2. One of the portions into which the Psalter was divided,
each consisting of nine psalms, designed to be used at a
night service. --Hook.
Nocturnal \Noc*tur"nal\, a. [L. nocturnalis, nocturnus, fr. nox,
noctis, night. See {Night}, and cf. {Nocturn}.]
1. Of, pertaining to, done or occuring in, the night; as,
nocturnal darkness, cries, expedition, etc.; -- opposed to
{diurnal}. --Dryden.
2. Having a habit of seeking food or moving about at night;
as, nocturnal birds and insects.
Nocturnal \Noc*tur"nal\, n.
An instrument formerly used for taking the altitude of the
stars, etc., at sea. --I. Watts.
Nocturnally \Noc*tur"nal*ly\, adv.
By night; nightly.
Nocturne \Noc*turne"\, n. [F. See {Nocturn}.] (Mus.)
A night piece, or serenade. The name is now used for a
certain graceful and expressive form of instrumental
composition, as the nocturne for orchestra in Mendelsohn's
``Midsummer-Night's Dream'' music.
Nocument \Noc"u*ment\, n. [LL. nocumentum, fr. L. nocere to
hurt.]
Harm; injury; detriment. [Obs.]
Nocuous \Noc"u*ous\, a. [L. nocuus, fr. nocere to hurt.]
Hurtful; noxious. [R.] -- {Noc"u*ous*ly}, adv. [R.]
Nod \Nod\, v. i. [OE. nodden; cf. OHG. kn?t?n, genuot?n, to
shake, and E. nudge.]
1. To bend or incline the upper part, with a quick motion;
as, nodding plumes.
2. To incline the head with a quick motion; to make a slight
bow; to make a motion of assent, of salutation, or of
drowsiness, with the head; as, to nod at one.
3. To be drowsy or dull; to be careless.
Nor is it Homer nods, but we that dream. --Pope.
Nod \Nod\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Nodded}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Nodding}.]
1. To incline or bend, as the head or top; to make a motion
of assent, of salutation, or of drowsiness with; as, to
nod the head.
2. To signify by a nod; as, to nod approbation.
3. To cause to bend. [Poetic]
By every wind that nods the mountain pine. --Keats.
Nod \Nod\, n.
1. A dropping or bending forward of the upper oart or top of
anything.
Like a drunken sailor on a mast, Ready with every
nod to tumble down. --Shak.
2. A quick or slight downward or forward motion of the head,
in assent, in familiar salutation, in drowsiness, or in
giving a signal, or a command.
A look or a nod only ought to correct them [the
children] when they do amiss. --Locke.
Nations obey my word and wait my nod. --Prior.
{The land of Nod}, sleep.
Nodal \Nod"al\, a.
Of the nature of, or relating to, a node; as, a nodal point.
{Nodal line}, {Nodal point}, in a vibrating plate or cord,
that line or point which remains at rest while the other
parts of the body are in a state of vibration.
Nodated \No"da*ted\, a. [L. nodatus, p. p. of nodare to make
knotty, fr. nodus knot. See {Node}.]
Knotted.
{Nodated hyperbola} (Geom.), a certain curve of the third
order having two branches which cross each other, forming
a node.
Nodation \No*da"tion\, n. [L. nodatio knottiness.]
Act of making a knot, or state of being knotted. [R.]
Nodder \Nod"der\, n.
One who nods; a drowsy person.
Nodding \Nod"ding\, a.
Curved so that the apex hangs down; having the top bent
downward.
Noddle \Nod"dle\, n. [OE. nodil, nodle; perh. fr. nod, because
the head is the nodding part of the body, or perh. akin to E.
knot; cf. Prov. E. nod the nape of the neck.]
1. The head; -- used jocosely or contemptuously.
Come, master, I have a project in my noddle. --L'Estrange.
2. The back part of the head or neck. [Obs.]
For occasion . . . turneth a bald noddle, after she
hath presented her locks in front, and no hold
taken. --Bacon.
Noddy \Nod"dy\, n.; pl. {Noddies}. [Prob. fr. nod to incline the
head, either as in assent, or from drowsiness.]
1. A simpleton; a fool. --L'Estrange.
2. (Zo["o]l.)
(a) Any tern of the genus {Anous}, as {A. stolidus}.
(b) The arctic fulmar ({Fulmarus glacialis}). Sometimes
also applied to other sea birds.
3. An old game at cards. --Halliwell.
4. A small two-wheeled one-horse vehicle.
5. An inverted pendulum consisting of a short vertical flat
spring which supports a rod having a bob at the top; --
used for detecting and measuring slight horizontal
vibrations of a body to which it is attached.
Node \Node\, n. [L. nodus; perh. akin to E. knot. Cf. {Noose},
{Nowed}.]
1. A knot, a knob; a protuberance; a swelling.
2. Specifically:
(a) (Astron.) One of the two points where the orbit of a
planet, or comet, intersects the ecliptic, or the
orbit of a satellite intersects the plane of the orbit
of its primary.
(b) (Bot.) The joint of a stem, or the part where a leaf
or several leaves are inserted.
(c) (Dialing) A hole in the gnomon of a dial, through
which passes the ray of light which marks the hour of
the day, the parallels of the sun's declination, his
place in the ecliptic, etc.
(d) (Geom.) The point at which a curve crosses itself,
being a double point of the curve. See {Crunode}, and
{Acnode}.
(e) (Mech.) The point at which the lines of a funicular
machine meet from different angular directions; --
called also {knot}. --W. R. Johnson.
(f) (poet.) The knot, intrigue, or plot of a piece.
(g) (Med.) A hard concretion or incrustation which forms
upon bones attacked with rheumatism, gout, or
syphilis; sometimes also, a swelling in the
neighborhood of a joint. --Dunglison.
(h) (Mus) One of the fixed points of a sonorous string,
when it vibrates by aliquot parts, and produces the
harmonic tones; nodal line or point.
(i) (Zo["o]l.) A swelling.
{Ascending node} (Astron.), the node at which the body is
passing northerly, marked with the symbol [astascending],
called the Dragon's head. Called also {northern node}.
{Descending node}, the node at which the body is moving
southwardly, marked thus [astdescending], called Dragon's
tail.
{Line of nodes}, a straight line joining the two nodes of an
orbit.
Nodical \Nod"ic*al\, a.
Of or pertaining to the nodes; from a node to the same node
again; as, the nodical revolutions of the moon.
{Nodical month}. See {Lunar month}, under {Month}.
Nodosarine \No`do*sa"rine\, a. (Zo["o]l.)
Resembling in form or structure a foraminiferous shell of the
genus {Nodosaria}. -- n. (Zo["o]l.) A foraminifer of the
genus {Nodosaria} or of an allied genus.
Nodose \No*dose"\, a. [L. nodosus, fr. nodus knot.]
1. Knotty; having numerous or conspicuous nodes.
2. (Zo["o]l.) Having nodes or prominences; having the
alternate joints enlarged, as the antenn[ae] of certain
insects.
Nodosity \No*dos"i*ty\, n. [L. nodositas.]
1. The quality of being knotty or nodose; resemblance to a
node or swelling; knottiness. --Holland.
2. A knot; a node.
Nodosous \No*do"sous\, Nodous \No"dous\, a.
Nodose; knotty; knotted. [Obs.]
Nodular \Nod"u*lar\ (?; 135), a. [Cf. F. nodulaire.]
Of, pertaining to, or in the form of, a nodule or knot.
Nodule \Nod"ule\, n. [L. nodulus, dim. of nodus knot: cf. F.
nodule.]
A rounded mass or irregular shape; a little knot or lump.
Noduled \Nod"uled\, a.
Having little knots or lumps.
Nodulose \Nod"u*lose`\, Nodulous \Nod"u*lous\, a. (Biol.)
Having small nodes or knots; diminutively nodose.
Noel \No"el\, n. [F. no["e]l, L. natalis birthday, fr. natalis
natal. See {Natal}.]
Same as {Nowel}.
Noematachograph \No*e`ma*tach"o*graph\, n. [Gr. ? the
understanding + ? swiftness + -graph.]
An instrument for determining and registering the duration of
more or less complex operations of the mind. --Dunglison.
Noematic \No`e*mat"ic\, Noematical \No`e*mat"ic*al\, a. [Gr. ?
the understanding. See {Noetic}.]
Of or pertaining to the understanding. [Obs.] --Cudworth.
Noemics \No*e"mics\, n. [Gr. ? the understanding. See {Noetic}.]
The science of the understanding; intellectual science.
Noetian \No*e"tian\, n. (Eccl. Hist.)
One of the followers of Noetus, who lived in the third
century. He denied the distinct personality of the Father,
Son, and Holy Ghost.
Noetic \No*et"ic\, Noetical \No*et"ic*al\, a. [Gr. ?, fr. ? to
perceive, ? mind, intellect.]
Of or pertaining to the intellect; intellectual.
I would employ the word noetic to express all those
cognitions which originate in the mind itself. --Sir W.
Hamilton.
Nof \Nof\ [Contr. fr. ne of.]
Not of; nor of. [Obs.]
Nog \Nog\, n. [Abbrev. fr. noggin.]
1. A noggin.
2. A kind of strong ale. --Halliwell.
Nog \Nog\, n. [Etymol. uncertain.]
1. A wooden block, of the size of a brick, built into a wall,
as a hold for the nails of woodwork.
2. One of the square logs of wood used in a pile to support
the roof of a mine.
3. (Shipbuilding) A treenail to fasten the shores.
Nog \Nog\, v. t. [From 2d {Nog}.]
1. To fill in, as between scantling, with brickwork.
2. (Shipbuilding) To fasten, as shores, with treenails.
Noggen \Nog"gen\, a. [Prop., made of hemp, fr. Prov. E. nogs
hemp.]
Made of hemp; hence, hard; rough; harsh. [Obs.] --Johnson.
Noggin \Nog"gin\, n. [Ir. noigin, or Gael. noigean. Cf. lst
{Nog}.]
1. A small mug or cup.
2. A measure equivalent to a gill. [Prov. Eng.]
Nogging \Nog"ging\, n. [From {Nog}, v. t.]
Rough brick masonry used to fill in the interstices of a
wooden frame, in building.
Noght \Noght\, adv.
Not. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Noiance \Noi"ance\, n. [Abbrev. fr. OE. anoiance.] [Written also
{noyance}.]
Annoyance. [Obs.] --Tusser.
Noie \Noie\, v. t.
To annoy. See {Noy}. [Obs.]
Noier \Noi"er\, n.
An annoyer. [Obs.] --Tusser.
Noils \Noils\, n. pl. [Etymol. uncertain.]
Waste and knots of wool removed by the comb; combings.
Noint \Noint\, v. t.
To anoint. [Obs.] --Sir T. North.
Noious \Noi"ous\, a.
Annoying; troublesome. [Obs.]
Noise \Noise\, n. [F. noise noisy strife, quarrel, brawl, fr. L.
nausea seasickness, sickness, disgust. See {Nausea}.]
1. Sound of any kind.
The heavens turn about in a most rapid motion
without noise to us perceived. --Bacon.
Note: Noise is either a sound of too short a duration to be
determined, like the report of a cannon; or else it is
a confused mixture of many discordant sounds, like the
rolling of thunder or the noise of the waves.
Nevertheless, the difference between sound and noise is
by no means precise. --Ganot.
2. Especially, loud, confused, or senseless sound; clamor;
din.
3. Loud or continuous talk; general talk or discussion;
rumor; report. ``The noise goes.'' --Shak.
What noise have we had about transplantation of
diseases and transfusion of blood! --T. Baker.
Soerates lived in Athens during the great plague
which has made so much noise in all ages.
--Spectator.
4. Music, in general; a concert; also, a company of
musicians; a band. [Obs.] --Milton.
The king has his noise of gypsies. --B. Jonson.
Syn: Cry; outcry; clamor; din; clatter; uproar.
Noise \Noise\, v. i.
To sound; to make a noise. --Milton.
Noise \Noise\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Noised}; p pr. & vb. n.
{Noising}.]
1. To spread by rumor or report.
All these sayings were noised abroad. --Luke i. 65.
2. To disturb with noise. [Obs.] --Dryden.
Noiseful \Noise"ful\, a.
Loud; clamorous. [Obs.] --Dryden.
Noiseless \Noise"less\, a.
Making, or causing, no noise or bustle; without noise;
silent; as, the noiseless foot of time.
So noiseless would I live. --Dryden.
-- {Noise"less*ly}, adv. -- {Noise"less*ness}, n.
Noisette \Noi*sette"\, n. (Bot.)
A hybrid rose produced in 1817, by a French gardener,
Noisette, of Charleston, South Carolina, from the China rose
and the musk rose. It has given rise to many fine varieties,
as the {Lamarque}, the {Marechal (or Marshal) Niel}, and the
{Cloth of gold}. Most roses of this class have clustered
flowers and are of vigorous growth. --P. Henderson.
Noisily \Nois"i*ly\, adv.
In a noisy manner.
Noisiness \Nois"i*ness\, n.
The state or quality of being noisy.
Noisome \Noi"some\, a. [For noysome, fr. noy for annoy. See
{Annoy}.]
1. Noxious to health; hurtful; mischievous; unwholesome;
insalubrious; destructive; as, noisome effluvia. ``Noisome
pestilence.'' --Ps. xci. 3.
2. Offensive to the smell or other senses; disgusting; fetid.
``Foul breath is noisome.'' --Shak. -- {Noi"some*ly}, adv.
-- {Noi"some*ness}, n.
Syn: Noxious; unwholesome; insalubrious; mischievous;
destructive.
Usage: {Noisome}, {Noxious}. These words have to a great
extent been interchanged; but there is a tendency to
make a distinction between them, applying noxious to
things that inflict evil directly; as, a noxious
plant, noxious practices, etc., and noisome to things
that operate with a remoter influence; as, noisome
vapors, a noisome pestilence, etc. Noisome has the
additional sense of disqusting. A garden may be free
from noxious weeds or animals; but, if recently
covered with manure, it may be filled with a noisome
smell.
Noisy \Nois"y\, a. [Compar. {Noisier}; superl. {Noisiest}.]
[From {Noise}.]
1. Making a noise, esp. a loud sound; clamorous; vociferous;
turbulent; boisterous; as, the noisy crowd.
2. Full of noise. ``The noisy town.'' --Dryden.
Nolde \Nol"de\ [Contr. fr. ne wolde.]
Would not. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Nole \Nole\, n. [See {Noll}.]
The head. [Obs.] --Shak.
Noli-me-tangere \No"li-me-tan"ge*re\, n. [L., touch me not.]
1. (Bot.)
(a) Any plant of a genus of herbs ({Impatiens}) having
capsules which, if touched when ripe, discharge their
seeds. -- See {Impatiens}.
(b) The squirting cucumber. See under {Cucumber}.
2. (Med.) A name formerly applied to several varieties of
ulcerous cutaneous diseases, but now restricted to {Lupus
exedens}, an ulcerative affection of the nose.
Nolition \No*li"tion\, n. [L. nolle not to will, to be
unwilling; ne + velle to will, to be willing.]
Adverse action of will; unwillingness; -- opposed to
{volition}.
A nolition and a direct enmity against the lust. --Jer.
Taylor.
Noll \Noll\, n. [OE. nol, AS. hnoll top; akin to OHG. hnol top,
head.]
The head; the noddle. [Obs.]
Nolleity \Nol*le"i*ty\, n. [L. nolle to be unwilling.]
The state of being unwilling; nolition. [R.]
Nolle prosequi \Nol"le pros"e*qui\ [L., to be unwilling to
prosecute.] (Law)
Will not prosecute; -- an entry on the record, denoting that
a plaintiff discontinues his suit, or the attorney for the
public a prosecution; either wholly, or as to some count, or
as to some of several defendants.
Nolo contendere \No"lo con*ten"de*re\ [L., I do not wish to
contend.] (Law)
A plea, by the defendant, in a criminal prosecution, which,
without admitting guilt, subjects him to all the consequences
of a plea of quilty.
Nol pros \Nol. pros.\
An abbrev. of {Nolle prosequi}.
Nol-pros \Nol`-pros"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {-prossed}; p. pr. &
vb. n. {-prossing}.]
To discontinue by entering a nolle prosequi; to decline to
prosecute.
Nolt \Nolt\, n. sing. & pl.
Neat cattle. [Prov. Eng.]
Nom \Nom\, n. [F. See {Noun}.]
Name.
{Nom de guerre}, literally, war name; hence, a fictitious
name, or one assumed for a time.
{Nom de plume}, literally, pen name; hence, a name assumed by
an author as his or her signature.
Noma \No"ma\, n. [NL., fr. Gr. ?, lit., a feeding. See {Name}.]
(Med.)
See {Canker}, n., 1.
Nomad \Nom"ad\, n. [L. nomas, -adis, Gr. ?, ?, pasturing,
roaming without fixed home, fr. ? a pasture, allotted abode,
fr. ? to distribute, allot, drive to pasture; prob. akin to
AS. niman to take, and E. nimble: cf. F. nomade. Cf.
{Astronomy}, {Economy}, {Nimble}, {Nemesis}, {Numb},
{Number}.]
One of a race or tribe that has no fixed location, but
wanders from place to place in search of pasture or game.
Nomad \Nom"ad\, a.
Roving; nomadic.
Nomade \Nom"ade\, n. [F.]
See {Nomad}, n.
Nomadian \No*ma"di*an\, n.
A nomad. [R.]
Nomadic \No*mad"ic\, a. [Gr. ?. See {Nomad}.]
Of or pertaining to nomads, or their way of life; wandering;
moving from place to place for subsistence; as, a nomadic
tribe. -- {No*mad"ic*al*ly}, adv.
Nomadism \Nom"ad*ism\, n.
The state of being a nomad.
Nomadize \Nom"ad*ize\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Nomadized}; p. pr. &
vb. n. {Nomadizing}.]
To lead the life of a nomad; to wander with flocks and herds
for the sake of finding pasturage.
The Vogules nomadize chiefly about the Rivers Irtish,
Obi, Kama, and Volga. --W. Tooke.
Nomancy \No"man*cy\, n. [Cf. F. nomancie, nomance, abbrev. fr.
onomancie. See {Onomancy}.]
The art or practice of divining the destiny of persons by the
letters which form their names.
No-man's land \No"-man's` land`\
1. (Naut.) A space amidships used to keep blocks, ropes,
etc.; a space on a ship belonging to no one in particular
to care for.
2. Fig.: An unclaimed space or time.
That no-man's land of twilight. --W. Black.
Nomarch \Nom"arch\, n. [Gr. ? a district + -arch.]
The chief magistrate of a nome or nomarchy.
Nomarchy \Nom"arch*y\, n.; pl. {Nomarchies}.
A province or territorial division of a kingdom, under the
rule of a nomarch, as in modern Greece; a nome.
Nombles \Nom"bles\, n. pl. [F. nombles, fr. L. lumbulus, dim. of
lumbus a loin. Cf. {Numbles}, {Umbles}, {Humbles}.]
The entrails of a deer; the umbles. [Written also {numbles}.]
--Johnson.
Nombril \Nom"bril\, n. [F. nombril, for OF. lombril, i. e.,
ombril, with the article, a dim. fr. L. umbilicus the navel.
See {Navel}.] (Her.)
A point halfway between the fess point and the middle base
point of an escutcheon; -- called also {navel point}. See
{Escutcheon}.
Nome \Nome\, n. [Gr. ?, fr. ? to deal out, distribute.]
1. A province or political division, as of modern Greece or
ancient Egypt; a nomarchy.
2. Any melody determined by inviolable rules. [Obs.]
Nome \Nome\, n. [Cf. {Binomial}.] (Alg.) [Obs.]
See {Term}.
Nome \Nome\, Nomen \No"men\, obs.
p. p. of {Nim}. --Chaucer.
Nomenclator \No"men*cla`tor\, n. [L., fr. nomen name + calare to
call. See {Name}, and {Calendar}.]
1. One who calls persons or things by their names.
Note: In Rome, candidates for office were attended each by a
nomenclator, who informed the candidate of the names of
the persons whom they met and whose votes it was
desirable to solicit.
2. One who gives names to things, or who settles and adjusts
the nomenclature of any art or science; also, a list or
vocabulary of technical names.
Nomenclatress \No"men*cla`tress\, n.
A female nomenclator.
Nomenclatural \No`men*cla"tur*al\, a.
Pertaining or according to a nomenclature.
Nomenclature \No"men*cla`ture\, n. [L. nomenclatura: cf. F.
nomenclature. See {Nomenclator}.]
1. A name. [Obs.] --Bacon.
2. A vocabulary, dictionary, or glossary. [R.]
3. The technical names used in any particular branch of
science or art, or by any school or individual; as, the
nomenclature of botany or of chemistry; the nomenclature
of Lavoisier and his associates.
Nomial \No"mi*al\, n. [Cf. {Binomial}.] (Alg.)
A name or term.
Nomic \Nom"ic\, a. [Gr. ?, fr. ? a law, custom.]
Customary; ordinary; -- applied to the usual English
spelling, in distinction from strictly phonetic methods. --H
Sweet. -- n. Nomic spelling. --A. J. Ellis.
Nominal \Nom"i*nal\, a. [L. nominalis, fr. nomen, nominis, name.
See {Name}.]
1. Of or pertaining to a name or names; having to do with the
literal meaning of a word; verbal; as, a nominal
definition. --Bp. Pearson.
2. Existing in name only; not real; as, a nominal difference.
``Nominal attendance on lectures.'' --Macaulay.
Nominal \Nom"i*nal\, n.
1. A nominalist. [Obs.] --Camden.
2. (Gram.) A verb formed from a noun.
3. A name; an appellation.
A is the nominal of the sixth note in the natural
diatonic scale. --Moore
(Encyc. of
Music. )
Nominalism \Nom"i*nal*ism\, n.
The principles or philosophy of the Nominalists.
Nominalist \Nom"i*nal*ist\, n. (Metaph.)
One of a sect of philosophers in the Middle Ages, who adopted
the opinion of Roscelin, that general conceptions, or
universals, exist in name only. --Reid.
Nominalistic \Nom`i*nal*is"tic\, a.
Of or pertaining to the Nominalists.
Nominalize \Nom"i*nal*ize\, v. t.
To convert into a noun. [Obs.]
Nominally \Nom"i*nal*ly\, adv.
In a nominal manner; by name; in name only; not in reality.
--Burke.
Nominate \Nom"i*nate\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Nominated}; p. pr. &
vb. n. {Nominating}.] [L. nominatus, p. p. of nominare to
nominate, fr. nomen name. See {Name}.]
1. To mention by name; to name. [Obs.]
To nominate them all, it is impossible. --Shak.
2. To call; to entitle; to denominate. [Obs.] --Spenser.
3. To set down in express terms; to state. [Obs.]
Is it so noiminated in the bond? --Shak.
4. To name, or designate by name, for an office or place; to
appoint; esp., to name as a candidate for an election,
choice, or appointment; to propose by name, or offer the
name of, as a candidate for an office or place.
Nominately \Nom"i*nate*ly\, adv.
By name; particularly; namely. [Obs.] --Spelman.
Nomination \Nom`i*na"tion\, n. [L. nominatio: cf. F.
nomination.]
1. The act of naming or nominating; designation of a person
as a candidate for office; the power of nominating; the
state of being nominated.
The nomination of persons to places being . . . a
flower of his crown, he would reserve to himself.
--Clarendon.
2. The denomination, or name. [Obs.] --Bp. Pearson.
Nominatival \Nom`i*na*ti"val\, a. (Gram.)
Of or pertaining to the nominative case.
Nominative \Nom"i*na*tive\, a. [L. nominativus belonging to a
name, nominative.] (Gram.)
Giving a name; naming; designating; -- said of that case or
form of a noun which stands as the subject of a finite verb.
-- n. The nominative case.
Nominatively \Nom"i*na*tive*ly\, adv.
In the manner of a nominative; as a nominative.
Nominator \Nom"i*na`tor\, n. [L.]
One who nominates.
Nominee \Nom`i*nee"\, n. [See {Nominate}, and {-ee}.]
A person named, or designated, by another, to any office,
duty, or position; one nominated, or proposed, by others for
office or for election to office.
Nominor \Nom"i*nor`\, n. [See {Nominate}, and {-or}.]
A nominator. [Obs.] --Bentham.
Nomocracy \No*moc"ra*cy\, n. [Gr. ? law + -cracy, as in
democracy.]
Government in accordance with a system of law. --Milman.
Nomography \No*mog"ra*phy\, n. [Gr. ?; ? law + ? to write.]
A treatise on laws; an exposition of the form proper for
laws.
Nomology \No*mol"o*gy\, n. [Gr. ? law + -logy.]
1. The science of law; legislation.
2. The science of the laws of the mind; rational psychology.
--Sir W. Hamilton.
Nomopelmous \Nom`o*pel"mous\, a. [Gr. ? law, custom + ? sole of
the foot.] (Zo["o]l.)
Having a separate and simple tendon to flex the first toe, or
hallux, as do passerine birds.
Nomothete \Nom"o*thete\, n. [Gr. ?; ? + ? to assign: cf. F.
nomoth[`e]te.]
A lawgiver. [R.]
Nomothetic \Nom`o*thet"ic\, Nomothetical \Nom`o*thet"ic*al\, a.
[Gr. ?.]
Legislative; enacting laws; as, a nomothetical power. [R.]
--Bp. Barlow.
Non \Non\, a.
No; not. See {No}, a. --Chaucer.
Non- \Non-\ [L. non, OL. noenu, noenum, fr. neoenum, lit., not
one. See {None}.]
A prefix used in the sense of not; un-; in-; as in
nonattention, or non-attention, nonconformity, nonmetallic,
nonsuit.
Note: The prefix non- may be joined to the leading word by
means of a hyphen, or, in most cases, the hyphen may be
dispensed with. The list of words having the prefix
non- could easily be lengthened.
Nonability \Non`a*bil"i*ty\, n.
1. Want of ability.
2. (Law) An exception taken against a plaintiff in a cause,
when he is unable legally to commence a suit.
Nonacceptance \Non`ac*cept"ance\, n.
A neglect or refusal to accept.
Nonacid \Non*ac"id\, a. (Chem.)
Destitute of acid properties; hence, basic; metallic;
positive; -- said of certain atoms and radicals.
Nonacquaintance \Non`ac*quaint"ance\, n.
Want of acquaintance; the state of being unacquainted.
Nonacquiescence \Non*ac`qui*es"cence\, n.
Refusal of acquiescence; failure to yield or comply.
Nonadmission \Non`ad*mis"sion\, n.
Failure to be admitted.
Nonadult \Non`a*dult"\, a.
Not adult; immature.
Nonaerobiotic \Non*a`["e]r*o*bi*ot"ic\, a. (Biol.)
Capable of living without atmospheric oxygen;
ana["e]robiotic.
Nonage \Non"age\, n. [LL. nonagium, from L. nonus ninth, novem
nine.] (Eccl.)
The ninth part of movable goods, formerly payable to the
clergy on the death of persons in their parishes. --Mozley &
W.
Nonage \Non"age\, n. [Pref. non- + age.]
Time of life before a person becomes of age; legal
immaturity; minority.
The human mind . . . was still in its nonage.
--Coleridge.
Nonaged \Non"aged\, a.
Having the quality of nonage; being a minor; immature. --W.
Browne.
Nonagenarian \Non`a*ge*na"ri*an\, n. [L. nonagenarius
containing, or consisting of, ninety, fr. nonageni ninety
each; akin to novem nine.]
A person ninety years old.
Nonagesimal \Non`a*ges"i*mal\, a. [L. nonagesimus the ninetieth.
See {Nonagenarian}.] (Astron.)
Of or pertaining to the ninetieth degree or to a nonagesimal.
Nonagesimal \Non`a*ges"i*mal\, n. (Astron.)
The middle or highest point of the part of the ecliptic which
is at any given moment above the horizon. It is the ninetieth
degree of the ecliptic, reckoned from the points in which it
is intersected by the horizon.
Nonagon \Non"a*gon\, n. [L. nonus ninth + Gr. ? angle.] (Math.)
A figure or polygon having nine sides and nine angles.
Nonagrian \Non*a"gri*an\, n. [Etymol. uncertain.] (Zo["o]l.)
Any moth of the genus {Nonagria} and allied genera, as the
spindleworm and stalk borer.
Nonalienation \Non*al`ien*a"tion\, n.
Failure to alienate; also, the state of not being alienated.
Nonane \Non"ane\, n. [L. nonus ninth.] (Chem.)
One of a group of metameric hydrocarbons {C9H20} of the
paraffin series; -- so called because of the nine carbon
atoms in the molecule. {Normal nonane} is a colorless
volatile liquid, an ingredient of ordinary kerosene.
Nonappearance \Non`ap*pear"ance\, n.
Default of apperance, as in court, to prosecute or defend;
failure to appear.
Nonappointment \Non`ap*point"ment\, n.
Neglect of making appointment; failure to receive an
appointment.
Nonarrival \Non`ar*riv"al\, n.
Failure to arrive.
Non assumpsit \Non` as*sump"sit\ [L., he did not undertake.]
(Law)
The general plea or denial in an action of assumpsit.
Nonattendance \Non`at*tend"ance\, n.
A failure to attend; omission of attendance; nonappearance.
Nonattention \Non`at*ten"tion\, n.
Inattention.
Nonbituminous \Non`bi*tu"mi*nous\, a.
Containing no bitumen; not bituminous.
Nonce \Nonce\ (n[o^]ns), n. [For the nonce, OE. for the nones, a
corruption of for then ones, where n. in then is a relic of
AS. m in [eth]am, dat. of the article and demonstrative
pronoun, E. the. See {For}, {Once}, and {The}.]
The one or single occasion; the present call or purpose; --
chiefly used in the phrase for the nonce.
The miller was a stout carl for the nones. --Chaucer.
And that he calls for drink, I 'll have prepared him A
chalice for the nonce. --Shak.
{Nonce word}, ``a word apparently employed only for the
nonce''. --Murray (New English Dict.).
Nonchalance \Non`cha`lance"\, n. [F. See {Nonchalant}.]
Indifference; carelessness; coolness.
Nonchalant \Non`cha`lant"\, a. [F., fr. non not (L. non) +
chaloir to concern one's self for, fr. L. calere to be warm,
to be inflamed with desire, to be troubled. See {Non-}, and
{Caldron}.]
Indifferent; careless; cool.
Nonchalantly \Non"cha*lant`ly\, adv.
In a nonchalant, indifferent, or careless manner; coolly.
Nonclaim \Non"claim`\, n.
A failure to make claim within the time limited by law;
omission of claim.
Noncohesion \Non`co*he"sion\, n.
Want of cohesion.
Noncoincidence \Non`co*in"ci*dence\, n.
Lack of coincidence.
Noncoincident \Non`co*in"ci*dent\, a.
Not coincident.
Noncombatant \Non*com"bat*ant\, n. (Mil.)
Any person connected with an army, or within the lines of an
army, who does not make it his business to fight, as any one
of the medical officers and their assistants, chaplains, and
others; also, any of the citizens of a place occupied by an
army; also, any one holding a similar position with respect
to the navy.
Noncommissioned \Non`com*mis"sioned\, a.
Not having a commission.
{Noncommissioned officer} (Mil.), a subordinate officer not
appointed by a commission from the chief executive or
supreme authority of the State; but by the Secretary of
War or by the commanding officer of the regiment.
Noncommittal \Non`com*mit"tal\, n.
A state of not being committed or pledged; forbearance or
refusal to commit one's self. Also used adjectively.
Noncommunion \Non`com*mun"ion\, n.
Neglect or failure of communion.
Noncompletion \Non`com*ple"tion\, n.
Lack of completion; failure to complete.
Noncompliance \Non`com*pli"ance\, n.
Neglect of compliance; failure to comply.
Noncomplying \Non`com*ply"ing\, a.
Neglecting or refusing to comply.
Non compos \Non com"pos\ Non compos mentis \Non com"pos men"tis\
[L.]
Not of sound mind; not having the regular use of reason;
hence, also, as a noun, an idiot; a lunatic; one devoid of
reason, either by nature or from accident.
Noncon \Non"con.\, n.
See {Noncontent}.
Nonconcluding \Non`con*clud"ing\, a.
Not concluding.
Nonconcur \Non`con*cur"\, v. i.
To dissent or refuse to concur.
Nonconcurrence \Non`con*cur"rence\, n.
Refusal to concur.
Noncondensible \Non`con*den"si*ble\, a.
Not condensible; incapable of being liquefied; -- said of
gases.
Noncondensing \Non`con*dens"ing\, a. (Steam Engine)
Not condensing; discharging the steam from the cylinder at a
pressure nearly equal to or above that of the atmosphere and
not into a condenser.
Nonconducting \Non`con*duct"ing\, a.
Not conducting; not transmitting a fluid or force; thus, in
electricity, wax is a nonconducting substance.
Nonconduction \Non`con*duc"tion\, n.
The quality of not being able to conduct or transmit; failure
to conduct.
Nonconductor \Non`con*duct"or\, n. (Physics)
A substance which does not conduct, that is, convey or
transmit, heat, electricity, sound, vibration, or the like,
or which transmits them with difficulty; an insulator; as,
wool is a nonconductor of heat; glass and dry wood are
nonconductors of electricity.
Nonconforming \Non`con*form"ing\, a.
Not conforming; declining conformity; especially, not
conforming to the established church of a country.
Nonconformist \Non`con*form"ist\, n.
One who does not conform to an established church;
especially, one who does not conform to the established
church of England; a dissenter.
Nonconformity \Non*con*form"i*ty\, n.
Neglect or failure of conformity; especially, in England, the
neglect or refusal to unite with the established church in
its rites and modes of worship.
Nonconstat \Non`con"stat\, n. [Law L.]
It does not appear; it is not plain or clear; it does not
follow.
Noncontagious \Non`con*ta"gious\, a.
Not contagious; not catching; not communicable by contact. --
{Non`con*ta"gious*ness}, n.
Noncontent \Non`con*tent"\, n. (British House of Lords)
One who gives a negative vote; -- sometimes abridged into
noncon. or non con.
Noncontributing \Non`con*trib"u*ting\, Noncontributory
\Non`con*trib"u*to*ry\, a.
Not contributing.
Nonda \Non"da\, n. (Bot.)
The edible plumlike fruit of the Australian tree, {Parinarium
Nonda}.
Nondecane \Non*dec"ane\, n. [L. nonus ninth + decem ten.]
(Chem.)
A hydrocarbon of the paraffin series, a white waxy substance,
{C19H40}; -- so called from the number of carbon atoms in the
molecule.
Nondeciduate \Non`de*cid"u*ate\, a. (Anat.)
Characterized by the absence of a decidua; indeciduate.
Nondelivery \Non`de*liv"er*y\, n.
A neglect or failure of delivery; omission of delivery.
Nondeposition \Non*dep`o*si"tion\, n.
A failure to deposit or throw down.
Nondescript \Non"de*script\, a. [Pref. non- + L. descriptus
described.]
Not hitherto described; novel; hence, odd; abnormal;
unclassifiable.
Nondescript \Non"de*script\, n.
A thing not yet described; that of which no account or
explanation has been given; something abnormal, or hardly
classifiable.
Nondevelopment \Non`de*vel"op*ment\, n.
Failure or lack of development.
Nondiscovery \Non`dis*cov"er*y\, n.
Want or failure of discovery.
Nondo \Non"do\, n. (Bot.)
A coarse umbelliferous plant ({Ligusticum act[ae]ifolium})
with a large aromatic root. It is found chiefly in the
Alleghany region. Also called {Angelico}.
None \None\, a. & pron. [OE. none, non, nan, no, na, AS. n[=a]n,
fr. ne not + [=a]n one. ?. See {No}, a. & adv., {One}, and
cf. {Non-}, {Null}, a.]
1. No one; not one; not anything; -- frequently used also
partitively, or as a plural, not any.
There is none that doeth good; no, not one. --Ps.
xiv. 3.
Six days ye shall gather it, but on the seventh day,
which is the Sabbath, in it there shall be none.
--Ex. xvi. 26.
Terms of peace yet none Vouchsafed or sought.
--Milton.
None of their productions are extant. --Blair.
2. No; not any; -- used adjectively before a vowel, in old
style; as, thou shalt have none assurance of thy life.
{None of}, not at all; not; nothing of; -- used emphatically.
``They knew that I was none of the register that entered
their admissions in the universities.'' --Fuller.
{None-so-pretty} (Bot.), the {Saxifraga umbrosa}. See {London
pride}
(a), under {London}.
None \None\, n. [F.]
Same as {Nones}, 2.
Noneffective \Non`ef*fect"ive\, a.
1. Not effective.
2. (Mil.) Not fit or available for duty.
Non-ego \Non-e"go\, n. [L., not I.] (Metaph.)
The union of being and relation as distinguished from, and
contrasted with, the ego. See {Ego}.
Nonelastic \Non`e*las"tic\, a.
Not having elasticity.
Nonelect \Non`e*lect"\, n. sing. & pl. (Theol.)
A person or persons not elected, or chosen, to salvation.
Nonelection \Non`e*lec"tion\, n.
Failure of election.
Nonelectric \Non`e*lec"tric\, Nonelectrical \Non`e*lec"tric*al\,
a.
Not electric; conducting electricity.
Nonelectric \Non`e*lec"tric\, n. (Physics)
A substance that is not an electric; that which transmits
electricity, as a metal.
Nonemphatic \Non`em*phat"ic\, Nonemphatical \Non`em*phat"ic*al\,
a.
Having no emphasis; unemphatic.
Nonentity \Non*en"ti*ty\, n.; pl. {Nonentities}.
1. Nonexistence; the negation of being.
2. A thing not existing. --South.
3. A person or thing of little or no account. [Colloq.]
Non-Episcopal \Non`-E*pis"co*pal\, a.
Not Episcopal; not pertaining to the Episcopal church or
system.
Nones \Nones\, n. pl. [L. nonae, so called because it was the
ninth day before the ides, fr. nonus ninth, from novem nine.
See {Nine}, {Nones}, 2, {Noon} .]
1. (Roman Cal.) The fifth day of the months January,
February, April, June, August, September, November, and
December, and the seventh day of March, May, July, and
October. The nones were nine days before the ides,
reckoning inclusively, according to the Roman method.
2. [F. none, fr. L. See {Noon}.] The canonical office, being
a part of the Breviary, recited at noon (formerly at the
ninth hour, 3 P. M.) in the Roman Catholic Church.
3. The hour of dinner; the noonday meal. [Obs.]
At my supper and sometimes at nones. --P. Plowman.
Nonessential \Non`es*sen"tial\, a.
Not essential.
Nonessential \Non`es*sen"tial\, n.
A thing not essential.
Non est factum \Non` est` fac"tum\ [Law L. it is not (his)
deed.] (Law)
The plea of the general issue in an action of debt on bond.
Non est inventus \Non` est` in*ven"tus\ [L., he is not found.]
(Law)
The return of a sheriff on a writ, when the defendant is not
found in his county. --Bouvier.
Nonesuch \None"such`\, n.
A person or thing of a sort that there is no other such;
something extraordinary; a thing that has not its equal. It
is given as a name to various objects, as to a choice variety
of apple, a species of medic ({Medicago lupulina}), a variety
of pottery clay, etc.
Nonet \No*net"\, Nonetto \No*net"to\, n. [From L. nonus ninth,
like E. duet, fr. L. duo.] (Mus.)
A composition for nine instruments, rarely for nine voices.
Nonett \Non"ett\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
The titmouse. [Obs.]
Nonexecution \Non*ex`e*cu"tion\, n.
Neglect or failure of execution; nonperformance.
Nonexistence \Non`ex*ist"ence\, n.
1. Absence of existence; the negation of being; nonentity.
--A. Baxter.
2. A thing that has no existence. --Sir T. Browne.
Nonexistent \Non`ex*ist"ent\, a.
Not having existence.
Nonexportation \Non*ex`por*ta"tion\, n.
A failure of exportation; a not exporting of commodities.
Nonextensile \Non`ex*ten"sile\, a.
Not extensile; incapable of being stretched.
Non-feasance \Non-fea"sance\, n. [Pref. non- + OF. faisance a
doing, fr. faire to do.] (Law)
An omission or neglect to do something, esp. that which ought
to have been done. Cf. {Malfeasance}.
Nonfulfillment \Non`ful*fill"ment\, n.
Neglect or failure to fulfill.
Nonillion \No*nil"lion\, n. [L. nonus ninth + -illion, as in E.
million.]
According to the French and American notation, a thousand
octillions, or a unit with thirty ciphers annexed; according
to the English notation, a million octillions, or a unit with
fifty-four ciphers annexed. See the Note under {Numeration}.
Nonimportation \Non*im`por*ta"tion\, n.
Want or failure of importation; a not importing of
commodities.
Nonimporting \Non`im*port"ing\, a.
Not importing; not bringing from foreign countries.
Noninflectional \Non`in*flec"tion*al\, a.
Not admitting of, or characterized by, inflection.
Noninhabitant \Non`in*hab"it*ant\, n.
One who is not an inhabitant; a stranger; a foreigner; a
nonresident.
Nonintervention \Non*in`ter*ven"tion\, n.
The state or habit of not intervening or interfering; as, the
nonintervention of one state in the affairs of another.
Nonius \No"ni*us\, n. [Latinized form of Nunez, the name of a
Portuguese mathematician.]
A vernier.
Nonjoinder \Non*join"der\, n. (Law)
The omission of some person who ought to have been made a
plaintiff or defendant in a suit, or of some cause of action
which ought to be joined.
Nonjurant \Non*ju"rant\, a.
Nonjuring.
Nonjuring \Non*ju"ring\, a. [F. jurer to swear, or L. jurare,
jurari, to swear, fr. L. jus, juris, right, law, justice. See
{Jury}.]
Not swearing allegiance; -- applied to the party in Great
Britain that would not swear allegiance to William and Mary,
or their successors.
Nonjuror \Non*ju"ror\, n. (Eng. Hist.)
One of those adherents of James II. who refused to take the
oath of allegiance to William and Mary, or to their
successors, after the revolution of 1688; a Jacobite.
Nonjurorism \Non*ju"ror*ism\, n. (Eng. Hist.)
The doctrines, or action, of the Nonjurors.
Nonlimitation \Non*lim`i*ta"tion\, n.
Want of limitation; failure to limit.
Non liquet \Non` li"quet\ [L.]
It is not clear; -- a verdict given by a jury when a matter
is to be deferred to another day of trial.
Nonmalignant \Non`ma*lig"nant\, a.
Not malignant, as a disease.
Nonmanufacturing \Non*man`u*fac"tur*ing\, a.
Not carrying on manufactures.
Nonmedullated \Non*med"ul*la`ted\, a.
Not medullated; (Anat.) without a medulla or marrow, or
without a medullary sheath; as, a nonmedullated nerve fiber.
Nonmember \Non*mem"ber\, n.
One who is not a member.
Nonmembership \Non*mem"ber*ship\, n.
State of not being a member.
Nonmetal \Non"met`al\, n. (Chem.)
Any one of the set of elements which, as contrasted with the
metals, possess, produce, or receive, acid rather than basic
properties; a metalloid; as, oxygen, sulphur, and chlorine
are nonmetals.
Nonmetallic \Non`me*tal"lic\, a.
1. Not metallic.
2. (Chem.) Resembling, or possessing the properties of, a
nonmetal or metalloid; as, sulphur is a nonmetallic
element.
Nonnatural \Non*nat"u*ral\, a.
Not natural; unnatural.
Nonne \Nonne\, n.
A nun. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Nonnecessity \Non`ne*ces"si*ty\, n.
Absence of necessity; the quality or state of being
unnecessary.
Nonnitrognous \Non`ni*trog"nous\, a.
Devoid of nitrogen; as, a nonnitrogenous principle; a
nonnitrogenous food. See the Note under {Food}, n., 1.
Nonnucleated \Non*nu"cle*a`ted\, a.
Without a nucleus.
Nonny \Non"ny\, n.
A silly fellow; a ninny.
Nonobedience \Non`o*be"di*ence\, n.
Neglect of obedience; failure to obey.
Nonobservance \Non`ob*serv"ance\, n.
Neglect or failure to observe or fulfill.
Non obstante \Non` ob*stan"te\ [L.]
1. Notwithstanding; in opposition to, or in spite of, what
has been stated, or is to be stated or admitted.
2. (Law) A clause in old English statutes and letters patent,
importing a license from the crown to do a thing
notwithstanding any statute to the contrary. This
dispensing power was abolished by the Bill of Rights.
In this very reign [Henry III.] the practice of
dispensing with statutes by a non obstante was
introduced. --Hallam.
{Non obstante veredicto} [LL.] (Law), a judgment sometimes
entered by order of the court, for the plaintiff,
notwithstanding a verdict for the defendant. --Stephen.
Nonoic \No*no"ic\, a. (Chem.)
Pertaining to, derived from, or resembling, nonane; as,
nonoic acid, which is also called pelargonic acid. Cf.
{Pelargonic}.
Nonone \Non"one\, n. [Nonane + -one, suffix denoting the third
degree of unsaturation.] (Chem.)
Any one of several metameric unsaturated hydrocarbons
({C9H14}) of the valylene series.
Nonoxygenous \Non`ox*yg"e*nous\, a. (Chem.)
Without oxygen; characterized by the absence of oxygen; as, a
nonoxygenous alkaloid.
Nonpareil \Non`pa*reil"\, n. [See {Nonpareil}, a. ]
1. Something of unequaled excellence; a peerless thing or
person; a nonesuch; -- often used as a name.
2. [F. nonpareille.] (Print.) A size of type next smaller
than minion and next larger than agate (or ruby).
Note: This line is printed in the type called nonpareil.
3. (Zo["o]l.)
(a) A beautifully colored finch ({Passerina ciris}),
native of the Southern United States. The male has the
head and neck deep blue, rump and under parts bright
red, back and wings golden green, and the tail bluish
purple. Called also {painted finch}.
(b) Any other similar bird of the same genus.
Nonpareil \Non`pa*reil"\, a. [F., from non not + pareil equal,
fr. LL. pariculus, dim. of L. par equal. See {Non}, and
{Pair}, {Peer}.]
Having no equal; peerless.
Nonpayment \Non*pay"ment\, n.
Neglect or failure to pay.
Nonperformance \Non`per*form"ance\, n.
Neglect or failure to perform.
Nonphotobiotic \Non*pho`to*bi*ot"ic\, a. (Biol.)
Capable of living without light; as, nonphotobiotic plant
cells, or cells which habitually live in darkness.
Nonplane \Non`plane"\, a. (Math.)
Not lying in one plane; -- said of certain curves.
Nonplus \Non"plus\, n. [L. non not + plus more, further. See
{Plural}.]
A state or condition which daffles reason or confounds
judgment; insuperable difficalty; inability to proceed or
decide; puzzle; quandary.
Both of them are a perfect nonplus and baffle to all
human understanding. --South.
Nonplus \Non"plus`\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Nonplused}or
{Nonplussed}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Nonplusing} or {Nonplussing}.]
To puzzle; to confound; to perplex; to cause to stop by
embarrassment.
He has been nonplused by Mr. Dry's desiring him to tell
what it was that he endeavored to prove. --Spectator.
Nonpreparation \Non*prep`a*ra"tion\, n.
Neglect or failure to prepare; want of preparation.
Nonpresentation \Non*pres`en*ta"tion\, n.
Neglect or failure to present; state of not being presented.
Nonproduction \Non`pro*duc"tion\, n.
A failure to produce or exhibit.
Nonprofessional \Non`pro*fes"sion*al\, a.
Not belonging to a profession; not done by, or proceeding
from, professional men; contrary to professional usage.
Nonproficiency \Non`pro*fi"cien*cy\, n.
Want of proficiency; failure to make progress.
Nonproficient \Non`pro*fi"cient\, n.
One who has failed to become proficient.
Non pros \Non" pros.`\
An abbreviation of {Non prosequitur}.
Non-pros \Non`-pros"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Nonprossed}; p. pr.
& vb. n. {Non-prossing}.]
To decline or fail to prosecute; to allow to be dropped (said
of a suit); to enter judgment against (a plaintiff who fails
to prosecute); as, the plaintiff was non-prossed.
Non prosequitur \Non" pro*seq"ui*tur\ [L. he does not
prosecute.] (Law)
A judgment entered against the plaintiff in a suit where he
does not appear to prosecute. See {Nolle prosequi}.
Nonrecurrent \Non`re*cur"rent\, a.
Not recurring.
Nonrecurring \Non`re*cur"ring\, a.
Nonrecurrent.
Nonregardance \Non`re*gard"ance\, n.
Want of due regard; disregard; slight. [Obs.] --Shak.
Nonregent \Non`re"gent\, n. (Eng. Universities)
A master of arts whose regency has ceased. See {Regent}.
Nonrendition \Non`ren*di"tion\, n.
Neglect of rendition; the not rendering what is due.
The nonrendition of a service which is due. --S. E.
Dwight.
Nonresemblance \Non`re*sem"blance\, n.
Want of resemblance; unlikeness; dissimilarity.
Nonresidence \Non*res"i*dence\, n.
The state or condition of being nonresident, --Swift.
Nonresident \Non*res"i*dent\, a.
Not residing in a particular place, on one's own estate, or
in one's proper place; as, a nonresident clergyman or
proprietor of lands.
Nonresident \Non*res"i*dent\, n.
A nonresident person; one who does not reside in the State or
jurisdiction.
Nonresistance \Non`re*sist"ance\, n.
The principles or practice of a nonresistant; passive
obedience; submission to authority, power, oppression, or
violence without opposition.
Nonresistant \Non`re*sist"ant\, a.
Making no resistance.
Nonresistant \Non`re*sist"ant\, n.
One who maintains that no resistance should be made to
constituted authority, even when unjustly or oppressively
exercised; one who advocates or practices absolute
submission; also, one who holds that violence should never be
resisted by force.
Nonresisting \Non`re*sist"ing\, a.
Not making resistance.
Nonruminant \Non*ru"mi*nant\, a.
Not ruminating; as, a nonruminant animal.
Nonsane \Non`sane"\, a.
Unsound; not perfect; as, a person of nonsane memory.
--Blackstone.
Nonsense \Non"sense\, n. [Pref. non- + sense: cf. F. nonsens.]
1. That which is not sense, or has no sense; words, or
language, which have no meaning, or which convey no
intelligible ideas; absurdity.
2. Trifles; things of no importance.
{Nonsense verses}, lines made by taking any words which
occur, but especially certain words which it is desired to
recollect, and arranging them without reference to
anything but the measure, so that the rhythm of the lines
may aid in recalling the remembrance of the words.
Syn: Folly; silliness; absurdity; trash; balderdash.
Nonsensical \Non*sen"si*cal\, a.
Without sense; unmeaning; absurb; foolish; irrational;
preposterous. -- {Non*sen"si*cal*ly}, adv. --
{Non*sen"si*cal*ness}, n.
Nonsensitive \Non*sen"si*tive\, a.
Not sensitive; wanting sense or perception; not easily
affected.
Non sequitur \Non seq"ui*tur\ [L., it does not follow.] (Logic)
An inference which does not follow from the premises.
Nonsexual \Non*sex"u*al\, a.
Having no distinction of sex; sexless; neuter.
Nonslaveholding \Non*slave"hold`ing\, a.
Not possessing or holding slaves; as, a nonslaveholding
State.
Nonsolution \Non`so*lu"tion\, n.
Failure of solution or explanation.
Nonsolvency \Non*sol"ven*cy\, n.
Inability to pay debts; insolvency.
Nonsolvent \Non*sol"vent\, a.
Not solvent; insolvent.
Nonsolvent \Non*sol"vent\, n.
An insolvent.
Nonsonant \Non*so"nant\, a.
Not sonant. -- n. A nonsonant or nonvocal consonant.
Nonsparing \Non*spar"ing\, a.
Sparing none.
Nonstriated \Non*stri"a*ted\, a. (Nat. Hist.)
Without striations; unstriped; as, nonstriated muscle fibers.
Nonsubmission \Non`sub*mis"sion\, n.
Want of submission; failure or refusal to submit.
Nonsubmissive \Non`sub*mis"sive\, a.
Not submissive.
Nonsuch \Non"such\, n.
See {Nonesuch}.
Nonsuit \Non"suit`\, n. (Law)
A neglect or failure by the plaintiff to follow up his suit;
a stopping of the suit; a renunciation or withdrawal of the
cause by the plaintiff, either because he is satisfied that
he can not support it, or upon the judge's expressing his
opinion. A compulsory nonsuit is a nonsuit ordered by the
court on the ground that the plaintiff on his own showing has
not made out his case.
Nonsuit \Non"suit`\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Nonsuited}; p. pr. &
vb. n. {Nonsuiting}.] (Law)
To determine, adjudge, or record (a plaintiff) as having
dropped his suit, upon his withdrawal or failure to follow it
up. ``When two are joined in a writ, and one is nonsuited.''
--Z. Swift.
Nonsuit \Non"suit`\, a.
Nonsuited. --D. A. Tyng.
Nonsurety \Non*sure"ty\, n.
Insecurity. [Obs.]
Nontenure \Non*ten"ure\, n. (Law)
A plea of a defendant that he did not hold the land, as
affirmed.
Nonterm \Non"term`\, n. (Law)
A vacation between two terms of a court.
Nontoxic \Non*tox"ic\, a.
Not toxic.
Nontronite \Non"tro*nite\, n. [So called because found in the
arrondissement of Notron, France.] (Min.)
A greenish yellow or green mineral, consisting chiefly of the
hydrous silicate of iron.
Nonuniformist \Non*u"ni*form`ist\, n.
One who believes that past changes in the structure of the
earth have proceeded from cataclysms or causes more violent
than are now operating; -- called also {nonuniformitarian}.
Nonunionist \Non*un"ion*ist\, n.
One who does not belong, or refuses to belong, to a trades
union.
Nonusance \Non*us"ance\, n.
Neglect of using; failure to use. [R.] --Sir T. Browne.
Nonuser \Non*us"er\,
1. A not using; failure to use.
An office may be forfeited by misuser or nonuser.
--Blackstone.
2. (Law) Neglect or omission to use an easement or franchise
or to assert a right. --Kent.
Nonvascular \Non*vas"cu*lar\, a. (Anat.)
Destitute of vessels; extravascular.
Nonvernacular \Non`ver*nac"u*lar\, a.
Not vernacular.
A nonvernacular expression. --Sir W.
Hamilton.
Nonvocal \Non*vo"cal\, a.
Not vocal; destitute of tone. -- n. A nonvocal consonant.
Nonyl \Non"yl\, n. [Nonane + -yl.] (Chem.)
The hydrocarbon radical, {C9H19}, derived from nonane and
forming many compounds. Used also adjectively; as, nonyl
alcohol.
Nonylene \Non"y*lene\, n. [Nonane + ethylene.] (Chem.)
Any one of a series of metameric, unsaturated hydrocarbons
{C9H18} of the ethylene series.
Nonylenic \Non`y*len"ic\, a. (Chem.)
Of, pertaining to, related to, or designating, nonylene or
its compounds; as, nonylenic acid.
Nonylic \No*nyl"ic\, a. (Chem.)
Of, pertaining to, or designating, nonyl or its compounds;
as, nonylic acid.
Noodle \Noo"dle\, n. [Cf. {Noddle}, {Noddy}.]
A simpleton; a blockhead; a stupid person; a ninny. [Low]
The chuckling grin of noodles. --Sydney
Smith.
Noodle \Noo"dle\, n. [G. nudel vermicelli.]
A thin strip of dough, made with eggs, rolled up, cut into
small pieces, and used in soup.
Nook \Nook\, n. [OE. nok; cf. Gael. & Ir. niuc.]
A narrow place formed by an angle in bodies or between
bodies; a corner; a recess; a secluded retreat.
How couldst thou find this dark, sequestered nook?
--Milton.
Nook-shotten \Nook"-shot`ten\, a.
Full of nooks, angles, or corners. [Obs. or Prov. Eng.]
That nook-shotten isle of Albion. --Shak.
Noological \No`["o]*log"ic*al\, a.
Of or pertaining to no["o]logy.
Noologist \No*["o]l"o*gist\, n.
One versed in no["o]logy.
Noology \No*["o]l"o*gy\, n. [Gr. ?, ?, the mind + -logy.]
The science of intellectual phenomena.
Noon \Noon\, a.
No. See the Note under No. [Obs.]
Noon \Noon\, n. [AS. n?n, orig., the ninth hour, fr. L. nona
(sc. hora) the ninth hour, then applied to the church
services (called nones) at that hour, the time of which was
afterwards changed to noon. See {Nine}, and cf. {Nones},
{Nunchion}.]
1. The middle of the day; midday; the time when the sun is in
the meridian; twelve o'clock in the daytime.
2. Hence, the highest point; culmination.
In the very noon of that brilliant life which was
destined to be so soon, and so fatally,
overshadowed. --Motley.
{High noon}, the exact meridian; midday.
{Noon of night}, midnight. [Poetic] --Dryden.
Noon \Noon\, a.
Belonging to midday; occurring at midday; meridional.
--Young.
Noon \Noon\, v. i.
To take rest and refreshment at noon.
Noonday \Noon"day`\, n.
Midday; twelve o'clock in the day; noon.
Noonday \Noon"day`\, a.
Of or pertaining to midday; meridional; as, the noonday heat.
``Noonday walks.'' --Addison.
Noon-flower \Noon"-flow`er\, n. (Bot.)
The goat's beard, whose flowers close at midday.
Nooning \Noon"ing\, n.
A rest at noon; a repast at noon.
Noonshun \Noon"shun\, n. [Obs.]
See {Nunchion}. --Nares.
Noonstead \Noon"stead\, n.
The position of the sun at noon. [Obs.] --Drayton.
Noontide \Noon"tide`\, n. [From noon + tide time; cf. AS.
n?nt[=i]d the ninth hour.]
The time of noon; midday.
Noose \Noose\, n. [Prob. fr. OF. nous, nom. sing. or acc. pl. of
nou knot, F. n?ud, L. nodus. Cf. {Node}.]
A running knot, or loop, which binds the closer the more it
is drawn.
Noose \Noose\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Noosed}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Noosing}.]
To tie in a noose; to catch in a noose; to entrap; to
insnare.
Noot \Noot\
See lst {Not}. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Nopal \No"pal\, n. [Mexican nopalli.] (Bot.)
A cactaceous plant ({Nopalea cochinellifera}), originally
Mexican, on which the cochineal insect feeds, and from which
it is collected. The name is sometimes given to other species
of {Cactace[ae]}.
Nopalry \No"pal*ry\, n.; pl. {Nopalries}.
A plantation of the nopal for raising the cochineal insect.
Nope \Nope\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
A bullfinch. [Prov. Eng.]
Nor \Nor\, conj. [OE. nor, contr. from nother. See {Neither}.]
A negative connective or particle, introducing the second
member or clause of a negative proposition, following
neither, or not, in the first member or clause (as or in
affirmative propositions follows either). Nor is also used
sometimes in the first member for neither, and sometimes the
neither is omitted and implied by the use of nor.
Provide neither gold nor silver, nor brass, in your
purses, nor scrip for your journey. --Matt. x. 9,
10.
Where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt. --Matt. vi.
20.
I love him not, nor fear him. --Shak.
Where neither party is nor true, nor kind. --Shak.
Simois nor Xanthus shall be wanting there. --Dryden.
Norbertine \Nor"bert*ine\, n.
See {Premonstrant}.
Noria \No"ri*a\, n. [Sp., from Ar. n[=a]'?ra.]
A large water wheel, turned by the action of a stream against
its floats, and carrying at its circumference buckets, by
which water is raised and discharged into a trough; used in
Arabia, China, and elsewhere for irrigating land; a Persian
wheel.
Norian \No"ri*an\, a. [From norite.] (Geol.)
Pertaining to the upper portion of the Laurentian rocks. --T.
S. Hunt.
Norice \Nor"ice\, n.
Nurse. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Norie \No"rie\, n. [Etymol. uncertain.] (Zo["o]l.)
The cormorant. [Prov. Eng.]
Norimon \Nor"i*mon\, n.; pl. {Norimons}.
A Japanese covered litter, carried by men. --B. Taylor.
Norite \No"rite\, n. [F., fr. Norv[`e]ge Norway .] (Min.)
A granular crystalline rock consisting essentially of a
triclinic feldspar (as labradorite) and hypersthene.
Norium \No"ri*um\, n. [NL.] (Chem.)
A supposed metal alleged to have been discovered in zircon.
Norm \Norm\, n. [L. norma a rule. See {Normal}, a.]
1. A rule or authoritative standard; a model; a type.
2. (Biol.) A typical, structural unit; a type. --Agassiz.
Norma \Nor"ma\, n. [L.]
1. A norm; a principle or rule; a model; a standard. --J. S.
Mill.
2. A mason's or a carpenter's square or rule.
3. A templet or gauge.
Normal \Nor"mal\, a. [L. normalis, fr. norma rule, pattern,
carpenter's square; prob. akin to noscere to know; cf. Gr. ?
well known, ? gnomon, also, carpenter's square: cf. F.
normal. See {Known}, and cf. {Abnormal}, {Enormous}.]
1. According to an established norm, rule, or principle;
conformed to a type, standard, or regular form; performing
the proper functions; not abnormal; regular; natural;
analogical.
Deviations from the normal type. --Hallam.
2. (Geom.) According to a square or rule; perpendicular;
forming a right angle. Specifically: Of or pertaining to a
normal.
3. (Chem.) Standard; original; exact; typical. Specifically:
(a) (Quantitative Analysis) Denoting a solution of such
strength that every cubic centimeter contains the same
number of milligrams of the element in question as the
number of its molecular weight.
(b) (Chem.) Denoting certain hypothetical compounds, as
acids from which the real acids are obtained by
dehydration; thus, normal sulphuric acid and normal
nitric acid are respectively {S(OH)6}, and {N(OH)5}.
(c) (Organ. Chem.) Denoting that series of hydrocarbons in
which no carbon atom is united with more than two
other carbon atoms; as, normal pentane, hexane, etc.
Cf. {Iso-}.
{Normal equations} (Method of Least Squares), a set of
equations of the first degree equal in number to the
number of unknown quantities, and derived from the
observations by a specified process. The solution of the
normal equations gives the most probable values of the
unknown quantities.
{Normal group} (Geol.), a group of rocks taken as a standard.
--Lyell.
{Normal place} (of a planet or comet) (Astron.), the apparent
place in the heavens of a planet or comet at a specified
time, the place having been determined by a considerable
number of observations, extending perhaps over many days,
and so combined that the accidental errors of observation
have largely balanced each other.
{Normal school}, a school whose methods of instruction are to
serve as a model for imitation; an institution for the
training of teachers.
Syn: {Normal}, {Regular}, {Ordinary}.
Usage: Regular and ordinary are popular terms of well-known
signification; normal has now a more specific sense,
arising out of its use in science. A thing is normal,
or in its normal state, when strictly conformed to
those principles of its constitution which mark its
species or to the standard of a healthy and natural
condition. It is abnormal when it departs from those
principles.
Normal \Nor"mal\, n. [Cf. F. normale, ligne normale. See
{Normal}, a.]
1. (Geom.) Any perpendicular.
2. (Geom.) A straight line or plane drawn from any point of a
curve or surface so as to be perpendicular to the curve or
surface at that point.
Note: The term normal is also used to denote the distance
along the normal line from the curve to the axis of
abscissas or to the center of curvature.
Normalcy \Nor"mal*cy\, n.
The quality, state, or fact of being normal; as, the point of
normalcy. [R.]
Normalization \Nor`mal*i*za"tion\, n.
Reduction to a standard or normal state.
Normally \Nor"mal*ly\, adv.
In a normal manner. --Darwin.
Norman \Nor"man\, n. [F. normand.] (Naut.)
A wooden bar, or iron pin. --W. C. Russell.
Norman \Nor"man\, a. [F. normand, of Scand. origin. See
{Northman}, and cf. {Norse}.]
Of or pertaining to Normandy or to the Normans; as, the
Norman language; the Norman conquest.
{Norman style} (Arch.), a style of architecture which arose
in the tenth century, characterized by great massiveness,
simplicity, and strength, with the use of the semicircular
arch, heavy round columns, and a great variety of
ornaments, among which the zigzag and spiral or
cable-formed ornaments were prominent.
Norman \Nor"man\, n.
A native or inhabitant of Normandy; originally, one of the
Northmen or Scandinavians who conquered Normandy in the 10th
century; afterwards, one of the mixed (Norman-French) race
which conquered England, under William the Conqueror.
Normanism \Nor"man*ism\, n.
A Norman idiom; a custom or expression peculiar to the
Normans. --M. Arnold.
Norn \Norn\, Norna \Nor"na\, n. [Icel. norn, pl. nornir.]
1. (Scandinavian Myth.) One of the three Fates, Past,
Present, and Future. Their names were Urd, Verdandi, and
Skuld.
2. A tutelary deity; a genius.
Noropianic \No*ro`pi*an"ic\, a. [Etymology uncertain.] (Chem.)
Of, pertaining to, or designating, an acid of the aromatic
series obtained from opianic acid.
Norroy \Nor"roy\, n. [Lit., north king, fr. F. nord north + roi
king.] (Her.)
The most northern of the English Kings-at-arms. See
{King-at-arms}, under {King}.
Norse \Norse\, a. [Dan. Norsk, fr. nord north. See {North}.]
Of or pertaining to ancient Scandinavia, or to the language
spoken by its inhabitants.
Norse \Norse\, n.
The Norse language.
Norseman \Norse"man\, n.; pl. {Norsemen}.
One of the ancient Scandinavians; a Northman.
Nortelry \Nor"tel*ry\, n. [Cf. {Nurture}.]
Nurture; education; culture; bringing up. [Obs.]
Nortelry . . . learned at the nunnery. --Chaucer.
North \North\, n. [AS. nor[eth]; akin to D. noord, G., Sw., &
Dan. nord, Icel. nor[eth]r. Cf. {Norman}, {Norse}.]
1. That one of the four cardinal points of the compass, at
any place, which lies in the direction of the true
meridian, and to the left hand of a person facing the
east; the direction opposite to the south.
2. Any country or region situated farther to the north than
another; the northern section of a country.
3. Specifically: That part of the United States lying north
of Mason and Dixon's line. See under {Line}.
North \North\, a.
Lying toward the north; situated at the north, or in a
northern direction from the point of observation or
reckoning; proceeding toward the north, or coming from the
north.
{North following}. See {Following}, a., 2.
{North pole}, that point in the heavens, or on the earth,
ninety degrees from the equator toward the north.
{North preceding}. See {Following}, a., 2.
{North star}, the star toward which the north pole of the
earth very nearly points, and which accordingly seems
fixed and immovable in the sky. The star [alpha] (alpha)
of the Little Bear, is our present north star, being
distant from the pole about 1[deg] 25', and from year to
year approaching slowly nearer to it. It is called also
{Cynosura}, {polestar}, and by astronomers, {Polaris}.
North \North\, v. i.
To turn or move toward the north; to veer from the east or
west toward the north.
North \North\, adv.
Northward.
Northeast \North`east"\, n.
The point between the north and east, at an equal distance
from each; the northeast part or region.
Northeast \North`east"\, a.
Of or pertaining to the northeast; proceeding toward the
northeast, or coming from that point; as, a northeast course;
a northeast wind.
{Northeast passage}, a passage or communication by sea
between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans along the north
coast of Asia.
Northeast \North`east"\, adv.
Toward the northeast.
Northeaster \North`east"er\, n.
A storm, strong wind, or gale, coming from the northeast.
Northeasterly \North`east"er*ly\, a.
Pertaining to the northeast; toward the northeast, or coming
from the northeast.
Northeasterly \North`east"er*ly\, adv.
Toward the northeast.
Northeastern \North`east"ern\, a.
Of or pertaining to the northeast; northeasterly.
Northeastward \North`east"ward\, Northeastwardly
\North`east"ward*ly\, adv.
Toward the northeast.
Norther \North"er\, n.
A wind from the north; esp., a strong and cold north wind in
Texas and the vicinity of the Gulf of Mexico.
Northerliness \North"er*li*ness\, n.
The quality or state of being northerly; direction toward the
north.
Northerly \North"er*ly\, a.
Of or pertaining to the north; toward the north, or from the
north; northern.
Northerly \North"er*ly\, adv.
Toward the north.
Northern \North"ern\, a. [AS. nor[eth]erne.]
1. Of or pertaining to the north; being in the north, or
nearer to that point than to the east or west.
2. In a direction toward the north; as, to steer a northern
course; coming from the north; as, a northern wind.
{Northern diver}. (Zo["o]l.) See {Loon}.
{Northern lights}. See {Aurora borealis}, under {Aurora}.
{Northern spy} (Bot.), an excellent American apple, of a
yellowish color, marked with red.
Northerner \North"ern*er\, n.
1. One born or living in the north.
2. A native or inhabitant of the Northern States; --
contradistinguished from {Southerner}. [U. S.]
Northernly \North"ern*ly\, adv.
Northerly. [Obs.] --Hakewill.
Northernmost \North"ern*most`\, a. [Cf. {Northmost}.]
Farthest north.
Northing \North"ing\, n.
1. (Surv. & Navigation) Distance northward from any point of
departure or of reckoning, measured on a meridian; --
opposed to {southing}.
2. (Astron.) The distance of any heavenly body from the
equator northward; north declination.
Northman \North"man\ (n[^o]rth"man), n.; pl. {Northmen} (-men).
[AS. nor[eth]man. See {North}, and {Man}, and cf. {Norman}.]
One of the inhabitants of the north of Europe; esp., one of
the ancient Scandinavians; a Norseman.
Northmost \North"most`\ (-m[=o]st), a. [AS. nor[eth]mest.
Cf.{Aftermost}.]
Lying farthest north; northernmost.
Northmost part of the coast of Mozambique. --De Foe.
Northness \North"ness\, n.
A tendency in the end of a magnetic needle to point to the
north. --Faraday.
Northumbrian \North*um"bri*an\, a.
Of or pertaining to Northumberland in England. -- n. A native
or inhabitant of Northumberland.
Northward \North"ward\, a. [AS. nor[eth]weard.]
Toward the north; nearer to the north than to the east or
west point.
Northward \North"ward\, Northwards \North"wards\, adv.
Toward the north, or toward a point nearer to the north than
to the east or west point.
Northwardly \North"ward*ly\, a.
Having a northern direction.
Northwardly \North"ward*ly\, adv.
In a northern direction.
Northwest \North`west"\, n. [AS. nor[eth]west.]
The point in the horizon between the north and west, and
equally distant from each; the northwest part or region.
Northwest \North`west"\, a.
1. Pertaining to, or in the direction of, the point between
the north and west; being in the northwest; toward the
northwest, or coming from the northwest; as, the northwest
coast.
2. Coming from the northwest; as, a northwest wind.
{Northwest passage}, a passage or communication by sea
between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans along the north
coast of America, long sought for by navigators.
Northwest \North`west"\, adv.
Toward the northwest.
Northwester \North`west"er\, n.
A storm or gale from the northwest; a strong northwest wind.
Northwesterly \North`west"er*ly\, a.
Toward the northwest, or from the northwest.
Northwestern \North`west"ern\, a.
Of, pertaining to, or being in, the northwest; in a direction
toward the northwest; coming from the northwest;
northwesterly; as, a northwestern course.
Northwestward \North`west"ward\, Northwestwardly
\North`west"ward*ly\, adv.
Toward the northwest.
Norwegian \Nor*we"gi*an\, a. [Cf. Icel. Noregr, Norvegr, Norway.
See {North}, and {Way}.]
Of or pertaining to Norway, its inhabitants, or its language.
Norwegian \Nor*we"gi*an\, n.
1. A native of Norway.
2. That branch of the Scandinavian language spoken in Norway.
Norwegium \Nor*we"gi*um\, n. [NL. See {Norwegian}.] (Chem.)
A rare metallic element, of doubtful identification, said to
occur in the copper-nickel of Norway.
Norweyan \Nor*we"yan\, a.
Norwegian. [Obs.] --Shak.
Nose \Nose\, n. [AS. nosu; akin to D. neus, G. nase, OHG. nasa,
Icel. n["o]s, Sw. n["a]sa, Dan. n["a]se, Lith. nosis, Russ.
nos', L. nasus, nares, Skr. n[=a]s[=a], n[=a]s. ? Cf.
{Nasal}, {Nasturtium}, {Naze}, {Nostril}, {Nozzle}.]
1. (Anat.) The prominent part of the face or anterior
extremity of the head containing the nostrils and
olfactory cavities; the olfactory organ. See {Nostril},
and {Olfactory organ} under {Olfactory}.
2. The power of smelling; hence, scent.
We are not offended with a dog for a better nose
than his master. --Collier.
3. A projecting end or beak at the front of an object; a
snout; a nozzle; a spout; as, the nose of a bellows; the
nose of a teakettle.
{Nose bit} (Carp.), a bit similar to a gouge bit, but having
a cutting edge on one side of its boring end.
{Nose hammer} (Mach.), a frontal hammer.
{Nose hole} (Glass Making), a small opening in a furnace,
before which a globe of crown glass is held and kept soft
at the beginning of the flattening process.
{Nose key} (Carp.), a fox wedge.
{Nose leaf} (Zo["o]l.), a thin, broad, membranous fold of
skin on the nose of many species of bats. It varies
greatly in size and form.
{Nose of wax}, fig., a person who is pliant and easily
influenced. ``A nose of wax to be turned every way.''
--Massinger
{Nose piece}, the nozzle of a pipe, hose, bellows, etc.; the
end piece of a microscope body, to which an objective is
attached.
{To hold}, {put}, or {bring one's nose to the grindstone}.
See under {Grindstone}.
{To lead by the nose}, to lead at pleasure, or to cause to
follow submissively; to lead blindly, as a person leads a
beast. --Shak.
{To put one's nose out of joint}, to humiliate one's pride,
esp. by supplanting one in the affections of another.
[Slang]
{To thrust one's nose into}, to meddle officiously in.
{To wipe one's nose of}, to deprive of; to rob. [Slang]
Nose \Nose\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Nosed}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Nosing}.]
1. To smell; to scent; hence, to track, or trace out.
2. To touch with the nose; to push the nose into or against;
hence, to interfere with; to treat insolently.
Lambs . . . nosing the mother's udder. --Tennyson.
A sort of national convention, dubious in its nature
. . . nosed Parliament in the very seat of its
authority. --Burke.
3. To utter in a nasal manner; to pronounce with a nasal
twang; as, to nose a prayer. [R.] --Cowley.
Nose \Nose\ (n[=o]z), v. i.
1. To smell; to sniff; to scent. --Audubon.
2. To pry officiously into what does not concern one.
Nosebag \Nose"bag`\, n.
A bag in which feed for a horse, ox, or the like, may be
fastened under the nose by a string passing over the head.
Noseband \Nose"band`\, n.
That part of the headstall of a bridle which passes over a
horse's nose.
Nosebleed \Nose"bleed`\, n.
1. A bleeding at the nose.
2. (Bot.) The yarrow. See {Yarrow}.
Nosed \Nosed\, a.
Having a nose, or such a nose; -- chieflay used in
composition; as, pug-nosed.
Nosegay \Nose"gay`\, n. [Nose + gay in the sense of a gay or
showy thing.]
A bunch of odorous and showy flowers; a bouquet; a posy.
--Pope.
Nosel \Nos"el\, v. t. [See {Noursle}.]
To nurse; to lead or teach; to foster; to nuzzle. [Obs.]
If any man use the Scripture . . . to nosel thee in
anything save in Christ, he is a false prophet.
--Tyndale.
Noseless \Nose"less\, a.
Destitute of a nose.
Nosesmart \Nose"smart`\, n. (Bot.)
A kind of cress, a pungent cruciferous plant, including
several species of the genus {Nasturtium}.
Nosethirl \Nose"thirl\, Nosethril \Nose"thril\, n.
Nostril. [Obs.] [Written also {nosethurl}, {nosthrill}.]
--Chaucer.
Nosing \Nos"ing\, n. (Arch.)
That part of the treadboard of a stair which projects over
the riser; hence, any like projection, as the projecting edge
of a molding.
Nosle \No"sle\, n. [See {Nozzle}, {Nose}.]
Nozzle. [Obs.]
Nosocomial \Nos`o*co"mi*al\, a. [L. nosocomium a hospital, Gr.
?; ? disease + ? to attend to.]
Of or pertaining to a hospital; as, nosocomial atmosphere.
--Dunglison.
Nosography \No*sog"ra*phy\, n. [Gr. ? disease + -graphy: cf. F.
nosographie.]
A description or classification of diseases.
Nosological \Nos`o*log"ic*al\, a. [Cf. F. nosologique.]
Of or pertaining to nosology.
Nosologist \No*sol"o*gist\, n. [Cf. F. nosologiste.]
One versed in nosology.
Nosology \No*sol"o*gy\, n. [Gr. ? disease + -logy: cf. F.
nosologie.]
1. A systematic arrangement, or classification, of diseases.
2. That branch of medical science which treats of diseases,
or of the classification of diseases.
Nosopoetic \Nos`o*po*et"ic\, a. [Gr. ? disease + ? productive,
fr. ? to make.]
Producing diseases. [R.] --Arbuthnot.
Nost \Nost\ [Contr. from ne wost.]
Wottest not; knowest not. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Nostalgia \Nos*tal"gi*a\, n. [NL., fr. Gr. ? a return home + ?
pain.] (Med.)
Homesickness; esp., a severe and sometimes fatal form of
melancholia, due to homesickness.
Nostalgic \Nos*tal"gic\, a. [Cf. F. nostalgique.]
Of or pertaining to nostalgia; affected with nostalgia.
Nostalgy \Nos*tal"gy\, n.
Same as {Nostalgia}.
Nostoc \Nos"toc\, n. [F.] (Bot.)
A genus of alg[ae]. The plants are composed of moniliform
cells imbedded in a gelatinous substance.
Note: Nostoc commune is found on the ground, and is
ordinarily not seen; but after a rain it swells up into
a conspicuous jellylike mass, whish was formerly
supposed to have fallen from the sky, whence the
popular names, fallen star and star jelly. Also called
witches' butter.
Nostril \Nos"tril\, n. [OE. nosethril, nosethirl, AS. nospyrl;
nos for nosu nose + pyrel opening, hole, from pyrel pierced,
for pyrhel, fr. purh through. ? See {Nose}, and {Through},
and cf. {Thrill}.]
1. (Anat.) One of the external openings of the nose, which
give passage to the air breathed and to secretions from
the nose and eyes; one of the anterior nares.
Note: In sperm whales, porpoises, and allied animals, there
is only one nostril, which is situated on the top of
the head and called a spiracle.
2. Perception; insight; acuteness. [Obs.]
Methinks a man Of your sagacity and clear nostril
should Have made another choice. --B. Jonson.
Nostrum \Nos"trum\ (-tr[u^]m), n.; pl. {Nostrums} (-tr[u^]mz).
[Neut. sing. of L. noster ours, fr. nos we. See {Us}.]
1. A medicine, the ingredients of which are kept secret for
the purpose of restricting the profits of sale to the
inventor or proprietor; a quack medicine.
2. Any scheme or device proposed by a quack.
The incentives of agitators, the arts of impostors
and the nostrums of quacks. --Brougham.
Not \Not\ [Contr. from ne wot. See 2d {Note}.]
Wot not; know not; knows not. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Not \Not\, a.
Shorn; shaven. [Obs.] See {Nott}.
Not \Not\, adv. [OE. not, noht, nought, naught, the same word as
E. naught. See {Naught}.]
A word used to express negation, prohibition, denial, or
refusal.
Not one word spake he more than was need. --Chaucer.
Thou shalt not steal. --Ex. xx. 15.
Thine eyes are upon me, and I am not. --Job vii. 8.
The question is, may I do it, or may I not do it? --Bp.
Sanderson.
{Not . . . but}, or {Not but}, only. [Obs. or Colloq.]
--Chaucer.
Notabilia \No`ta*bil"i*a\, n. pl. [Neut. pl. of L. notabilis
notable.]
Things worthy of notice.
Notability \Not`a*bil"i*ty\, n.; pl. {Notabilities}. [Cf. F.
notabilit['e] .]
1. Quality of being notable.
2. A notable, or remarkable, person or thing; a person of
note. ``Parisian notabilities'' --Carlyle.
3. A notable saying. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Notable \Not"a*ble\, a. [F. notable, L. notabilis, fr. notare to
mark, nota mark, note. See 5th {Note}.]
1. Capable of being noted; noticeable; plan; evident.
2. Worthy of notice; remarkable; memorable; noted or
distinguished; as, a notable event, person.
Note: Notable in the sense of careful, thrifty, characterized
by thrift and capacity (as, a notable housekeeper) is
pronounced by many good ortho["e]pists,
n[o^]t"[.a]*b'l, the derivatives notableness, and
notably, being also similarly pronounced with short o
in the first syllable.
3. Well-known; notorious. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Notable \Not"a*ble\, n.
1. A person, or thing, of distinction.
2. (French Hist.) One of a number of persons, before the
revolution of 1789, chiefly of the higher orders,
appointed by the king to constitute a representative body.
Notableness \Not"a*ble*ness\, n.
The quality of being notable.
Notably \Not"a*bly\, adv.
In a notable manner.
Notaeum \No*t[ae]"um\, n. [NL., fr. Gr. ? pertaining to the
notum or back.] (Zo["o]l.)
The back or upper surface, as of a bird.
Notal \No"tal\, a. [Gr. ? the back.]
Of or pertaining to the back; dorsal.
Notandum \No*tan"dum\, n.; pl. {Notanda}. [L., fr. notare to
observe.]
A thing to be noted or observed; a notable fact; -- chiefly
used in the plural.
Notarial \No*ta"ri*al\, a. [Cf. F. notarial.]
Of or pertaining to a notary; done or taken by a notary; as,
a notarial seal; notarial evidence or attestation.
Notarially \No*ta"ri*al*ly\, adv.
In a notarial manner.
Notary \No"ta*ry\, n.; pl. {Notaries}. [F. notaire, L. notarius
notary (in sense 1), fr. nota mark. See 5th {Note}.]
1. One who records in shorthand what is said or done; as, the
notary of an ecclesiastical body.
2. (Eng. & Am. Law) A public officer who attests or certifies
deeds and other writings, or copies of them, usually under
his official seal, to make them authentic, especially in
foreign countries. His duties chiefly relate to
instruments used in commercial transactions, such as
protests of negotiable paper, ship's papers in cases of
loss, damage, etc. He is generally called a {notary
public}.
Notate \No"tate\, a. [L. notatus marked, p. p. of notare to
mark. See 5th {Note}.] (Bot.)
Marked with spots or lines, which are often colored.
--Henslow.
Notation \No*ta"tion\, n. [L. notatio a marking, observing,
etymology, fr. notare to mark, nota a mark: cf. F. notation.
See 5th {Note}.]
1. The act or practice of recording anything by marks,
figures, or characters.
2. Any particular system of characters, symbols, or
abbreviated expressions used in art or science, to express
briefly technical facts, quantities, etc. Esp., the system
of figures, letters, and signs used in arithmetic and
algebra to express number, quantity, or operations.
3. Literal or etymological signification. [Obs.]
``Conscience'' is a Latin word, and, according to
the very notation of it, imports a double or joint
knowledge. --South.
Notch \Notch\, n. [Akin to nock; cf. OD. nock, OSw. nocka. Cf.
{Nick} a notch.]
1. A hollow cut in anything; a nick; an indentation.
And on the stick ten equal notches makes. --Swift.
2. A narrow passage between two elevation; a deep, close
pass; a defile; as, the notch of a mountain.
Notch \Notch\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Notched}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Notching}.]
1. To cut or make notches in; to indent; also, to score by
notches; as, to notch a stick.
2. To fit the notch of (an arrow) to the string.
God is all sufferance; here he doth show No arrow
notched, only a stringless bow. --Herrick.
Notchboard \Notch"board`\, n. (Carp.)
The board which receives the ends of the steps in a
staircase.
Notching \Notch"ing\, n.
1. The act of making notches; the act of cutting into small
hollows.
2. The small hollow, or hollows, cut; a notch or notches.
3. (Carp.) A method of joining timbers, scantling, etc., by
notching them, as at the ends, and overlapping or
interlocking the notched portions.
4. (Engin.) A method of excavating, as in a bank, by a series
of cuttings side by side. See also {Gulleting}.
Notchweed \Notch"weed`\, n. (Bot.)
A foul-smelling weed, the stinking goosefoot ({Chenopodium
Vulvaria}).
Note \Note\, v. t. [AS. hn[=i]tan to strike against, imp.
hn[=a]t.]
To butt; to push with the horns. [Prov. Eng.]
Note \Note\ [AS. n[=a]t; ne not + w[=a]t wot. See {Not}, and
{Wot}.]
Know not; knows not. [Obs.]
Note \Note\, n.
Nut. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Note \Note\, n. [AS. notu use, profit.]
Need; needful business. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Note \Note\, n. [F. note, L. nota; akin to noscere, notum, to
know. See {Know}.]
1. A mark or token by which a thing may be known; a visible
sign; a character; a distinctive mark or feature; a
characteristic quality.
Whosoever appertain to the visible body of the
church, they have also the notes of external
profession. --Hooker.
She [the Anglican church] has the note of
possession, the note of freedom from party
titles,the note of life -- a tough life and a
vigorous. --J. H.
Newman.
What a note of youth, of imagination, of impulsive
eagerness, there was through it all ! --Mrs. Humphry
Ward.
2. A mark, or sign, made to call attention, to point out
something to notice, or the like; a sign, or token,
proving or giving evidence.
3. A brief remark; a marginal comment or explanation; hence,
an annotation on a text or author; a comment; a critical,
explanatory, or illustrative observation.
The best writers have been perplexed with notes, and
obscured with illustrations. --Felton.
4. A brief writing intended to assist the memory; a
memorandum; a minute.
5. pl. Hence, a writing intended to be used in speaking;
memoranda to assist a speaker, being either a synopsis, or
the full text of what is to be said; as, to preach from
notes; also, a reporter's memoranda; the original report
of a speech or of proceedings.
6. A short informal letter; a billet.
7. A diplomatic missive or written communication.
8. A written or printed paper acknowledging a debt, and
promising payment; as, a promissory note; a note of hand;
a negotiable note.
9. A list of items or of charges; an account. [Obs.]
Here is now the smith's note for shoeing. --Shak.
10. (Mus.)
(a) A character, variously formed, to indicate the length
of a tone, and variously placed upon the staff to
indicate its pitch. Hence:
(b) A musical sound; a tone; an utterance; a tune.
(c) A key of the piano or organ.
The wakeful bird . . . tunes her nocturnal
note. --Milton.
That note of revolt against the eighteenth
century, which we detect in Goethe, was struck
by Winckelmann. --W. Pater.
11. Observation; notice; heed.
Give orders to my servants that they take No note
at all of our being absent hence. --Shak.
12. Notification; information; intelligence. [Obs.]
The king . . . shall have note of this. --Shak.
13. State of being under observation. [Obs.]
Small matters . . . continually in use and in note.
--Bacon.
14. Reputation; distinction; as, a poet of note.
There was scarce a family of note which had not
poured out its blood on the field or the scaffold.
--Prescott.
15. Stigma; brand; reproach. [Obs.] --Shak.
{Note of hand}, a promissory note.
Note \Note\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Noted}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Noting}.] [F. noter, L. notare, fr. nota. See {Note}, n.]
1. To notice with care; to observe; to remark; to heed; to
attend to. --Pope.
No more of that; I have noted it well. --Shak.
2. To record in writing; to make a memorandum of.
Every unguarded word . . . was noted down.
--Maccaulay.
3. To charge, as with crime (with of or for before the thing
charged); to brand. [Obs.]
They were both noted of incontinency. --Dryden.
4. To denote; to designate. --Johnson.
5. To annotate. [R.] --W. H. Dixon.
6. To set down in musical characters.
{To note a bill} or {draft}, to record on the back of it a
refusal of acceptance, as the ground of a protest, which
is done officially by a notary.
Notebook \Note"book`\, n.
1. A book in which notes or memorandums are written.
2. A book in which notes of hand are registered.
Noted \Not"ed\, a.
Well known by reputation or report; eminent; celebrated; as,
a noted author, or traveler. -- {Not"ed*ly}, adv. --
{Not"ed*ness}, n.
Noteful \Note"ful\, a.
Useful. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Noteless \Note"less\, a.
Not attracting notice; not conspicuous.
Noteless as the race from which he sprung. --Sir W.
Scott.
Notelessness \Note"less*ness\, n.
A state of being noteless.
Notelet \Note"let\, n.
A little or short note; a billet.
Note paper \Note" pa`per\
Writing paper, not exceeding in size, when folded once, five
by eight inches.
Noter \Not"er\, n.
1. One who takes notice.
2. An annotator. [Obs.]
Noteworthy \Note"wor`thy\, a.
Worthy of observation or notice; remarkable.
Nother \Noth"er\, conj.
Neither; nor. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Nothing \Noth"ing\, n. [From no, a. + thing.]
1. Not anything; no thing (in the widest sense of the word
thing); -- opposed to {anything} and {something}.
Yet had his aspect nothing of severe. --Dryden.
2. Nonexistence; nonentity; absence of being; nihility;
nothingness. --Shak.
3. A thing of no account, value, or note; something
irrelevant and impertinent; something of comparative
unimportance; utter insignificance; a trifle.
Behold, ye are of nothing, and your work of nought.
--Is. xli. 24.
'T is nothing, says the fool; but, says the friend,
This nothing, sir, will bring you to your end.
--Dryden.
4. (Arith.) A cipher; naught.
{Nothing but}, only; no more than. --Chaucer.
{To make nothing of}.
(a) To make no difficulty of; to consider as trifling or
important. ``We are industrious to preserve our bodies
from slavery, but we make nothing of suffering our
souls to be slaves to our lusts.'' --Ray.
(b) Not to understand; as, I could make nothing of what he
said.
Nothing \Noth"ing\, adv.
In no degree; not at all; in no wise.
Adam, with such counsel nothing swayed. --Milton.
The influence of reason in producing our passions is
nothing near so extensive as is commonly believed.
--Burke.
{Nothing off} (Naut.), an order to the steersman to keep the
vessel close to the wind.
Nothingarian \Noth`ing*a"ri*an\, n.
One of no certain belief; one belonging to no particular
sect.
Nothingism \Noth"ing*ism\, n.
Nihility; nothingness. [R.]
Nothingness \Noth"ing*ness\, n.
1. Nihility; nonexistence.
2. The state of being of no value; a thing of no value.
Notice \No"tice\, n. [F., fr. L. notitia a being known,
knowledge, fr. noscere, notum, to know. See {Know}.]
1. The act of noting, remarking, or observing; observation by
the senses or intellect; cognizance; note.
How ready is envy to mingle with the notices we take
of other persons ! --I. Watts.
2. Intelligence, by whatever means communicated; knowledge
given or received; means of knowledge; express
notification; announcement; warning.
I . . . have given him notice that the Duke of
Cornwall and Regan his duchess will be here. --Shak.
3. An announcement, often accompanied by comments or remarks;
as, book notices; theatrical notices.
4. A writing communicating information or warning.
5. Attention; respectful treatment; civility.
{To take notice of}, to perceive especially; to observe or
treat with particular attention.
Syn: Attention; regard; remark; note; heed; consideration;
respect; civility; intelligence; advice; news.
Notice \No"tice\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Noticed}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Noticing}.]
1. To observe; to see to mark; to take note of; to heed; to
pay attention to.
2. To show that one has observed; to take public note of;
remark upon; to make comments on; to refer to; as, to
notice a book.
This plant deserves to be noticed in this place.
--Tooke.
Another circumstance was noticed in connection with
the suggestion last discussed. --Sir W.
Hamilton.
3. To treat with attention and civility; as, to notice
strangers.
Syn: To remark; observe; perceive; see; mark; note; mind;
regard; heed; mention. See {Remark}.
Noticeable \No"tice*a*ble\, a.
Capable of being observed; worthy of notice; likely to
attract observation; conspicous.
A noticeable man, with large gray eyes. --Wordsworth.
Noticeably \No"tice*a*bly\, adv.
In a noticeable manner.
Noticer \No"ti*cer\, n.
One who notices.
Notidanian \No`ti*da"ni*an\, n. [Gr. ? back + ? comely.]
(Zo["o]l.)
Any one of several species of sharks of the family
{Notidanid[ae]}, or {Hexanchid[ae]}. Called also {cow
sharks}. See {Shark}.
Notification \No`ti*fi*ca"tion\, n. [Cf. F. notification. See
{Notify}.]
1. The act of notifying, or giving notice; the act of making
known; especially, the act of giving official notice or
information to the public or to individuals, corporations,
companies, or societies, by words, by writing, or by other
means.
2. Notice given in words or writing, or by signs.
3. The writing which communicates information; an
advertisement, or citation, etc.
Notify \No"ti*fy\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Notified}; p. pr. & vb.
n. {Notifying}.] [F. notifier, L. notificare; notus known (p.
p. of noscere to known) + -ficare (in comp.) to make. See
{Know}, and {-fy}.]
1. To make known; to declare; to publish; as, to notify a
fact to a person.
No law can bind till it be notified or promulged.
--Sowth.
2. To give notice to; to inform by notice; to apprise; as,
the constable has notified the citizens to meet at the
city hall; the bell notifies us of the time of meeting.
The President of the United States has notified the
House of Representatives that he has approved and
signed the act. --Journal of
the Senate, U.
S.
Note: This application of notify has been condemned; but it
is in constant good use in the United States, and in
perfect accordance with the use of certify.
Notion \No"tion\, [L. notio, fr. noscere to know: cf. F. notion.
See {Know}.]
1. Mental apprehension of whatever may be known or imagined;
an idea; a conception; more properly, a general or
universal conception, as distinguishable or definable by
marks or not[ae].
What hath been generally agreed on, I content myself
to assume under the notion of principles. --Sir I.
Newton.
Few agree in their notions about these words.
--Cheyne.
That notion of hunger, cold, sound, color, thought,
wish, or fear which is in the mind, is called the
``idea'' of hunger, cold, etc. --I. Watts.
Notion, again, signifies either the act of
apprehending, signalizing, that is, the remarking or
taking note of, the various notes, marks, or
characters of an object which its qualities afford,
or the result of that act. --Sir W.
Hamilton.
2. A sentiment; an opinion.
The extravagant notion they entertain of themselves.
--Addison.
A perverse will easily collects together a system of
notions to justify itself in its obliquity. --J. H.
Newman.
3. Sense; mind. [Obs.] --Shak.
4. An invention; an ingenious device; a knickknack; as,
Yankee notions. [Colloq.]
5. Inclination; intention; disposition; as, I have a notion
to do it. [Colloq.]
Notional \No"tion*al\, a.
1. Consisting of, or conveying, notions or ideas; expressing
abstract conceptions.
2. Existing in idea only; visionary; whimsical.
Discourses of speculative and notional things.
--Evelyn.
3. Given to foolish or visionary expectations; whimsical;
fanciful; as, a notional man.
Notionality \No`tion*al"i*ty\, n.
A notional or groundless opinion. [R.] --Glanvill.
Notionally \No"tion*al*ly\, adv.
In mental apprehension; in conception; not in reality.
Two faculties . . . notionally or really distinct.
--Norris.
Notionate \No"tion*ate\, a.
Notional. [R.]
Notionist \No"tion*ist\, n.
One whose opinions are ungrounded notions. [R.] --Bp.
Hopkins.
Notist \No"tist\, n.
An annotator. [Obs.]
Notobranchiata \No`to*bran`chi*a*ta\, n. pl. [NL. See {Notum},
and {Branchia}.] (Zo["o]l.)
(a) A division of nudibranchiate mollusks having gills upon
the back.
(b) The Dorsibranchiata.
Notobranchiate \No`to*bran"chi*ate\, a. (Zo["o]l.)
Of or pertaining to the Notobranchiata.
Notochord \No"to*chord\, n. [Gr. ? the back + E. chord.] (Anat.)
An elastic cartilagelike rod which is developed beneath the
medullary groove in the vertebrate embryo, and constitutes
the primitive axial skeleton around which the centra of the
vertebr[ae] and the posterior part of the base of the skull
are developed; the chorda dorsalis. See Illust. of
{Ectoderm}.
Notochordal \No`to*chor"dal\, a. (Anat.)
Of or pertaining to the notochord; having a notochord.
Notodontian \No`to*don"tian\, n. [Gr. ? the back + ?, ? a
tooth.] (Zo["o]l.)
Any one of several species of bombycid moths belonging to
Notodonta, Nerice, and allied genera. The caterpillar of
these moths has a hump, or spine, on its back.
Notopodium \No`to*po"di*um\, n.; pl. L. {Notopodia}, {E}.
{Notopodiums}. [NL., fr. Gr. ? the back + ?, ?, the foot.]
(Zo["o]l.)
The dorsal lobe or branch of a parapodium. See {Parapodium}.
Notorhizal \No`to*rhi"zal\, a. [Gr. ? the back + ? a root.]
(Bot.)
Having the radicle of the embryo lying against the back of
one of the cotyledons; incumbent.
Notoriety \No`to*ri"e*ty\, n. [Cf. F. notori['e]t['e]. See
{Notorious}.]
The quality or condition of being notorious; the state of
being generally or publicly known; -- commonly used in an
unfavorable sense; as, the notoriety of a crime.
They were not subjects in their own nature so exposed
to public notoriety. --Addison.
Notorious \No*to"ri*ous\, a. [L. notorius pointing out, making
known, fr. noscere, notum, to known: cf. F. notoire. See
{Know}.]
Generally known and talked of by the public; universally
believed to be true; manifest to the world; evident; --
usually in an unfavorable sense; as, a notorious thief; a
notorious crime or vice.
Your goodness, Since you provoke me, shall be most
notorious. --Shak.
Syn: Distinguished; remarkable; conspicuous; celebrated;
noted; famous; renowned.
-- {No*to"ri*ous*ly}, adv. -- {No*to"ri*ous*ness}, n.
Notornis \No*tor"nis\, n. [NL., fr. Gr. ? the south, or
southwest + ? bird.] (Zo["o]l.)
A genus of birds allied to the gallinules, but having
rudimentary wings and incapable of flight. {Notornis
Mantelli} was first known as a fossil bird of New Zealand,
but subsequently a few individuals were found living on the
southern island. It is supposed to be now nearly or quite
extinct.
Nototherium \No`to*the"ri*um\, n. [NL., fr. Gr. ? the south + ?
a wild animal.] (Zo["o]l.)
An extinct genus of gigantic herbivorous marsupials, found in
the Pliocene formation of Australia.
Nototrema \No`to*tre"ma\, n. [NL., fr. Gr. ? back + ? a hole.]
(Zo["o]l.)
The pouched, or marsupial, frog of South America.
Not-pated \Not"-pat`ed\, Nott-pated \Nott"-pat`ed\, a.
Same as {Nott-headed}. [Obs.] --Shak.
Notself \Not"self`\, n. (Metaph.)
The negative of self. ``A cognizance of notself.'' --Sir. W.
Hamilton.
Nott \Nott\, a. [AS. hnot shorn.]
Shorn. [Obs.]
Nott \Nott\, v. t.
To shear. [Obs.] --Stow.
Nott-headed \Nott"-head`ed\, a.
Having the hair cut close. [Obs.] --Chapman.
Notturno \Not*tur"no\, n. [It.] (Mus.)
Same as {Nocturne}.
Notum \No"tum\, n.; pl. {Nota}. [NL., fr. Gr. ?.] (Zo["o]l.)
The back.
Notus \No"tus\, n. [L., fr. Gr. ?.]
The south wind.
Notwheat \Not"wheat`\, n. [Nott + wheat.]
Wheat not bearded. --Carew.
Notwithstanding \Not`with*stand"ing\, prep.
Without prevention, or obstruction from or by; in spite of.
We gentil women bee Loth to displease any wight,
Notwithstanding our great right. --Chaucer's
Dream.
Those on whom Christ bestowed miraculous cures were so
transported that their gratitude made them,
notwithstanding his prohibition, proclaim the wonders
he had done. --Dr. H. More.
Note: Notwithstanding was, by Johnson and Webster, viewed as
a participle absolute, an English equivalent of the
Latin non obstante. Its several meanings, either as
preposition, adverb, or conjunction, are capable of
being explained in this view. Later grammarians, while
admitting that the word was originally a participle,
and can be treated as such, prefer to class it as a
preposition or disjunctive conjunction.
Syn: In spite of; despite.
Usage: {Notwithstanding}, {In spite of}, {Despite}. These
words and phrases are often interchanged, but there is
a difference between them, chiefly in strength.
Notwithstanding is the weaker term, and simply points
to some obstacle that may exist; as, I shall go,
notwithstanding the rain. In spite or despite of has
reference primarily to active opposition to be
encountered from others; as, ``I'll be, in man's
despite, a monarch; '' ``I'll keep mine own, despite
of all the world.'' --Shak. Hence, these words, when
applied to things, suppose greater opposition than
notwithstanding. We should say. ''He was thrust rudely
out of doors in spite of his entreaties,'' rather than
``notwithstanding''. On the other hand, it would be
more civil to say, ``Notwithstanding all you have
said, I must still differ with you.''
Notwithstanding \Not`with*stand"ing\, adv. or conj. [Originally
the participle of withstand, with not prefixed.]
Nevertheless; however; although; as, I shall go,
notwithstanding it rains.
I will surely rend the kingdom from thee, and will give
it to thy servant. Notwithstanding, in thy days I will
not do it. --1 Kings xi.
11, 12.
They which honor the law as an image of the wisdom of
God himself, are, notwithstanding, to know that the
same had an end in Christ. --Hooker.
You did wisely and honestly too, notwithstanding She is
the greatest beauty in the parish. --Fielding.
{Notwithstanding that}, notwithstanding; although.
These days were ages to him, notwithstanding that he
was basking in the smiles of the pretty Mary. --W.
Irving.
Nouch \Nouch\, n. [See {Ouch}.]
An ouch; a jewel. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Nougat \Nou`gat"\, n. [F.]
A cake, sweetmeat, or confecti['o]n made with almonds or
other nuts.
Nought \Nought\, n. & adv.
See {Naught}. --Chaucer.
Nould \Nould\ [Contr. fr. ne would.]
Would not. [Obs.] ``By those who nould repent.'' --Fairfax.
Noule \Noule\, n. [See {Noll}.]
The top of the head; the head or noll. [Obs.] --Spenser.
Noumenal \Nou"me*nal\, a. (Metaph.)
Of or pertaining to the noumenon; real; -- opposed to
{phenomenal}. --G. H. Lewes.
Noumenon \Nou"me*non\, n. [NL. fr. Gr. ? the thing perceived, p.
pr. pass. of ? to perceive, ? the mind.] (Metaph.)
The of itself unknown and unknowable rational object, or
thing in itself, which is distinguished from the {phenomenon}
through which it is apprehended by the senses, and by which
it is interpreted and understood; -- so used in the
philosophy of Kant and his followers.
Noun \Noun\, n. [OF. noun, nun, num, non, nom, F. nom, fr. L.
nomen name. See {Name}.] (Gram.)
A word used as the designation or appellation of a creature
or thing, existing in fact or in thought; a substantive.
Note: By some grammarians the term noun is so used as to
include adjectives, as being descriptive; but in
general it is limited to substantives.
Nounal \Noun"al\, a.
Of or pertaining to a noun.
Verbs which in whole or in part have shed their old
nounal coat. --Earle.
Nounize \Noun"ize\, v. t.
To change (an adjective, verb, etc.) into a noun. --Earle.
Nourice \Nour"ice\, n.
A nurse. [Obs.] --Spenser.
Nourish \Nour"ish\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Nourished}; p. pr. &
vb. n. {Nourishing}.] [OE. norisen, norischen, OF. nurir,
nurrir, norir, F. norrir, fr. L. nutrire. Cf. {Nurse},
{Nutriment}, and see {-ish}.]
1. To feed and cause to grow; to supply with matter which
increases bulk or supplies waste, and promotes health; to
furnish with nutriment.
He planteth an ash, and the rain doth nourish it.
--Is. xliv.
14.
2. To support; to maintain.
Whiles I in Ireland nourish a mighty band. --Shak.
3. To supply the means of support and increase to; to
encourage; to foster; as, to nourish rebellion; to nourish
the virtues. ``Nourish their contentions.'' --Hooker.
4. To cherish; to comfort.
Ye have nourished your hearts. --James v. 5.
5. To educate; to instruct; to bring up; to nurture; to
promote the growth of in attainments. --Chaucer.
Nourished up in the words of faith. --1 Tim. iv.
6.
Syn: To cherish; feed; supply. See {Nurture}.
Nourish \Nour"ish\, v. i.
1. To promote growth; to furnish nutriment.
Grains and roots nourish more than their leaves.
--Bacon.
2. To gain nourishment. [R.] --Bacon.
Nourish \Nour"ish\, n.
A nurse. [Obs.] --Hoolland.
Nourishable \Nour"ish*a*ble\, a. [Cf. F. nourrissable.]
1. Capable of being nourished; as, the nourishable parts of
the body. --Grew.
2. Capable of giving nourishment. [Obs.] --Bp. Hall.
Nourisher \Nour"ish*er\, n.
One who, or that which, nourishes. --Milton.
Nourishing \Nour"ish*ing\, a.
Promoting growth; nutritious,
Nourishingly \Nour"ish*ing*ly\, adv.
Nutritively; cherishingly.
Nourishment \Nour"ish*ment\, n. [Cf. OF. norrissement.]
1. The act of nourishing, or the state of being nourished;
nutrition.
2. That which serves to nourish; nutriment; food.
Learn to seek the nourishment of their souls.
--Hooker.
Nouriture \Nour"i*ture\, n.
Nurture. [Obs.] --Spenser.
Noursle \Nour"sle\, v. t. [Freq., fr. OE. nourse. See {Nurse}.]
To nurse; to rear; to bring up. [Obs.] [Written also {nosel},
{nousel}, {nousle}, {nowsle}, {nusle}, {nuzzle}, etc.]
She noursled him till years he raught. --Spenser.
Nous \Nous\, n. [NL., fr. Gr. ? mind.]
Intellect; understanding; talent; -- used humorously.
Nousel \Nous"el\, Nousle \Nou"sle\, v. t. [See {Noose}.]
To insnare; to entrap. [Obs.] --Johnson.
Nouthe \Nou"the\, Nowthe \Now"the\, adv. [Now + the.]
Just now; at present. [Obs.]
But thereof needeth not to speak as nouthe. --Chaucer.
Novaculite \No*vac"u*lite\, n. [L. novacula a sharp knife,
razor: cf. F. novaculite.] (Min.)
A variety of siliceous slate, of which hones are made; razor
stone; Turkey stone; hone stone; whet slate.
Novatian \No*va"tian\, n. (Eccl. Hist.)
One of the sect of Novatius, or Novatianus, who held that the
lapsed might not be received again into communion with the
church, and that second marriages are unlawful.
Novatianism \No*va"tian*ism\, n.
The doctrines or principles of the Novatians. --Milner.
Novation \No*va"tion\, n. [L. novatio; novus new: cf. F.
novation.]
1. Innovation. [Obs.]
I shall easily grant that novations in religion are
a main cause of distempers in commonwealths. --Laud.
2. (Law) A substitution of a new debt for an old one; also,
the remodeling of an old obligation.
Novator \No*va"tor\, n.
An innovator. [Obs.]
Novel \Nov"el\, a. [OF. novel, nuvel, F. nouvel, nouveau, L.
novellus, dim. of novus new. See {New}.]
Of recent origin or introduction; not ancient; new; hence,
out of the ordinary course; unusual; strange; surprising.
Note: In civil law, the novel or new constitutions are those
which are supplemental to the code, and posterior in
time to the other books. These contained new decrees of
successive emperors.
{Novel assignment} (Law), a new assignment or specification
of a suit.
Syn: New; recent; modern; fresh; strange; uncommon; rare;
unusual.
Usage: {Novel}, {New} . Everything at its first occurrence is
new; that is novel which is so much out of the
ordinary course as to strike us with surprise. That is
a new sight which is beheld for the first time; that
is a novel sight which either was never seen before or
is seen but seldom. We have daily new inventions, but
a novel one supposes some very peculiar means of
attaining its end. Novel theories are regarded with
distrust, as likely to prove more ingenious than
sound.
Novel \Nov"el\, n. [F. nouvelle. See {Novel}, a.]
1. That which is new or unusual; a novelty.
2. pl. News; fresh tidings. [Obs.]
Some came of curiosity to hear some novels.
--Latimer.
3. A fictitious tale or narrative, professing to be conformed
to real life; esp., one intended to exhibit the operation
of the passions, and particularly of love. --Dryden.
4. [L. novellae (sc. constitutiones): cf. F. novelles.] (Law)
A new or supplemental constitution. See the Note under
{Novel}, a.
Novelette \Nov`el*ette"\, n. [Dim. of novel, n. See {Novel}.]
A short novel.
Novelism \Nov"el*ism\, n.
Innovation. [Obs.]
Novelist \Nov"el*ist\, n.
1. An innovator; an asserter of novelty. [Obs.] --Cudworth.
2. [Cf. F. nouvelliste, It. novellista.] A writer of news.
[Obs.] --Tatler (178).
3. [Cf. F. nouvelliste.] A writer of a novel or novels.
Novelize \Nov"el*ize\, v. i.
To innovate. [Obs.]
Novelize \Nov"el*ize\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Novelized}; p. pr. &
vb. n. {Novelizing}.]
1. To innovate. [Obs.]
2. To put into the form of novels; to represent by fiction.
``To novelize history.'' --Sir J. Herschel.
Novelry \Nov"el*ry\, n. [OF. novelerie.]
Novelty; new things. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Novelty \Nov"el*ty\, n.; pl. {Novelties}. [OF. novelt['e], F.
nouveaut['e], L. novellitas.]
1. The quality or state of being novel; newness; freshness;
recentness of origin or introduction.
Novelty is the great parent of pleasure. --South.
2. Something novel; a new or strange thing.
November \No*vem"ber\, n. [L. November, or Novembris (sc.
mensis), the ninth month of the old Roman year, which began
with March, fr. novem nine: cf. F. Novembre. See {Nine}.]
The eleventh month of the year, containing thirty days.
Novenary \Nov"e*na*ry\, a. [L. novenarius, from novem nine.]
Of or pertaining to the number nine.
Novenary \Nov"e*na*ry\, n.
The number of nine units; nine, collectively.
Novene \No"vene\, a. [L. novenus nine each, in LL., ninth, fr.
L. novem nine.]
Relating to, or dependent on, the number nine; novenary. [R.]
The triple and novene division ran throughout.
--Milman.
Novennial \No*ven"ni*al\, a. [L. novennis of nine years; novem
nine + annus year.]
Done or recurring every ninth year.
Novercal \No*ver"cal\, a. [L. novennis of nine years; novem nine
+ annus year.]
Done or recurring every ninth year.
Novercal \No*ver"cal\, a. [L. novercalis, from noverca a
stepmother.]
Of or pertaining to a stepmother; suitable to, or in the
manner of, a stepmother. --Derham.
Novice \Nov"ice\, n. [F., from L. novicius, novitius, new, from
novus new. See {New}, and cf. {Novitious}.]
1. One who is new in any business, profession, or calling;
one unacquainted or unskilled; one yet in the rudiments; a
beginner; a tyro.
I am young; a novice in the trade. --Dryden.
2. One newly received into the church, or one newly converted
to the Christian faith. --1 Tim. iii. 6.
3. (Eccl.) One who enters a religious house, whether of monks
or nuns, as a probationist. --Shipley.
No poore cloisterer, nor no novys. --Chaucer.
Novice \Nov"ice\, a.
Like a novice; becoming a novice. [Obs.]
Noviceship \Nov"ice*ship\, n.
The state of being a novice; novitiate.
Novilunar \No`vi*lu"nar\, a. [L. novus new + luna the moon.]
Of or pertaining to the new moon. [R.]
Novitiate \No*vi"ti*ate\, n. [LL. novitiatus: cf. F. noviciat.]
1. The state of being a novice; time of initiation or
instruction in rudiments.
2. Hence: Time of probation in a religious house before
taking the vows.
3. One who is going through a novitiate, or period of
probation; a novice. --Addison.
4. The place where novices live or are trained. [R.]
Novitious \No*vi"tious\, a. [L. novitius, novicius.]
Newly invented; recent; new. [Obs.] --Bp. Pearson.
Novity \Nov"i*ty\, n. [L. novitas, fr. novus new.]
Newness; novelty. [Obs.] --Sir T. Browne.
Novum \No"vum\, n.
A game at dice, properly called {novem quinque} (L., nine
five), the two principal throws being nine and five. [Obs.]
--Shak.
Now \Now\, adv. [OE. nou, nu, AS. n[=u], nu; akin to D., OS., &
OHG. nu, G. nu, nun, Icel., n[=u], Dan., Sw., & Goth. nu, L.
nunc, Gr. ?, ?, Skr. nu, n[=u]. [root]193. Cf. {New}.]
1. At the present time; at this moment; at the time of
speaking; instantly; as, I will write now.
I have a patient now living, at an advanced age, who
discharged blood from his lungs thirty years ago.
--Arbuthnot.
2. Very lately; not long ago.
They that but now, for honor and for plate, Made the
sea blush with blood, resign their hate. --Waller.
3. At a time contemporaneous with something spoken of or
contemplated; at a particular time referred to.
The ship was now in the midst of the sea. --Matt.
xiv. 24.
4. In present circumstances; things being as they are; --
hence, used as a connective particle, to introduce an
inference or an explanation.
How shall any man distinguish now betwixt a parasite
and a man of honor ? --L'Estrange.
Why should he live, now nature bankrupt is ? --Shak.
Then cried they all again, saying, Not this man, but
Barabbas. Now, Barabbas was a robber. --John xviii.
40.
The other great and undoing mischief which befalls
men is, by their being misrepresented. Now, by
calling evil good, a man is misrepresented to others
in the way of slander. --South.
{Now and again}, now and then; occasionally.
{Now and now}, again and again; repeatedly. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
{Now and then}, at one time and another; indefinitely;
occasionally; not often; at intervals. ``A mead here,
there a heath, and now and then a wood.'' --Drayton.
{Now now}, at this very instant; precisely now. [Obs.] ``Why,
even now now, at holding up of this finger, and before the
turning down of this.'' --J. Webster (1607).
{Now . . . now}, alternately; at one time . . . at another
time. ``Now high, now low, now master up, now miss.''
--Pope.
Now \Now\, a.
Existing at the present time; present. [R.] ``Our now
happiness.'' --Glanvill.
Now \Now\, n.
The present time or moment; the present.
Nothing is there to come, and nothing past; But an
eternal now does ever last. --Cowley.
Nowadays \Now"a*days`\, adv. [For now on (OE. an) days. See
{A-}, 1.]
In these days; at the present time.
What men of spirit, nowadays, Come to give sober
judgment of new plays ? --Garrick.
Noway \No"way`\, Noways \No"ways`\, adv. [No, a. + way. Cf.
{-wards}.]
In no manner or degree; not at all; nowise.
But Ireland will noways allow that name unto it.
--Fuller.
Nowch \Nowch\, n.
See {Nouch}. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Nowd \Nowd\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
The European gray gurnard ({Trigla gurnardus}). [Written also
{knoud}.]
Nowed \Now"ed\, a. [F. nou['e], p. p. of nouer to knot, fr. L.
nodare. See {Nodated}.] (Her.)
Knotted; tied in a knot, as a serpent.
Nowel \Now"el\, n. [See {Noel}.] [Written also {no["e]l}.]
1. Christmas; also, a shout of joy at Christmas for the birth
of the Savior. [Obs.]
2. (Mus.) A kind of hymn, or canticle, of medi[ae]val origin,
sung in honor of the Nativity of our Lord; a Christmas
carol. --Grove.
Nowel \Now"el\, n. [F. noyau, prop., a kernel. See {Noyau},
{Newel} a post.] (Founding)
(a) The core, or the inner part, of a mold for casting a
large hollow object.
(b) The bottom part of a mold or of a flask, in
distinction from the cope; the drag.
Nowes \Nowes\, n. pl. [From OF. nous. See {Noose}, {Node}.]
The marriage knot. [Obs.] --Crashaw.
Nowhere \No"where`\, adv. [AS. n[=a]hw[=ae]r. See {No}, and
{Where}.]
Not anywhere; not in any place or state; as, the book is
nowhere to be found.
Nowhither \No"whith`er\, adv. [No + whither.]
Not anywhither; in no direction; nowhere. [Archaic] ``Thy
servant went nowhither.'' --2 Kings v. 25.
Nowise \No"wise`\, adv. [For in no wise. See {Wise}, n.]
Not in any manner or degree; in no way; noways.
Others whose case is nowise different. --Earle.
Nowt \Nowt\, n. pl. (Zo["o]l.)
Neat cattle.
Nowthe \Now"the\
See {Nouthe}. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Noxious \Nox"ious\, a. [L. noxius, fr. noxa harm; akin to nocere
to harm, hurt. Cf. {Nuisance}, {Necromancy}.]
1. Hurtful; harmful; baneful; pernicious; injurious;
destructive; unwholesome; insalubrious; as, noxious air,
food, or climate; pernicious; corrupting to morals; as,
noxious practices or examples.
Too frequent an appearance in places of public
resort is noxious to spiritual promotions. --Swift.
2. Guilty; criminal. [R.]
Those who are noxious in the eye of the law. --Abp.
Bramhall.
Syn: Noisome; hurtful; harmful; injurious; destructive;
pernicious; mischievous; corrupting; baneful;
unwholesome; insalubrious. See {Noisome}. --
{Nox"ious*ly}, adv. -- {Nox"ious*ness}, n.
Noy \Noy\, v. t. [See {Annoy}.]
To annoy; to vex. [Obs. or Prov. Eng.] --Piers Plowman.
All that noyed his heavy spright. --Spenser.
Noy \Noy\, n.
That which annoys. [Obs.] --Piers Plowman.
Noyance \Noy"ance\, n.
Annoyance. [Obs.] --Spenser.
Noyau \Noy`au"\, n. [F., prop., the stone or nut of a fruit, fr.
L. nucalis like a nut. See {Newel} a post.]
A cordial of brandy, etc., flavored with the kernel of the
bitter almond, or of the peach stone, etc.
Noyer \Noy"er\, n.
An annoyer. [Obs.] --Tusser.
Noyful \Noy"ful\, a.
Full of annoyance. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Noyls \Noyls\, n. pl.
See {Noils}.
Noyous \Noy"ous\, a.
Annoying; disagreeable. [Obs.]
Watch the noyous night, and wait for ? yous day.
--Spenser.
Nozle \No"zle\, n.
Nozzle. [Obs.]
Nozzle \Noz"zle\, n. [A dim. of nose. [root]261] [Written also
{nosle}.]
1. The nose; the snout; hence, the projecting vent of
anything; as, the nozzle of a bellows.
2. Specifically:
(a) A short tube, usually tapering, forming the vent of a
hose or pipe.
(b) A short outlet, or inlet, pipe projecting from the end
or side of a hollow vessel, as a steam-engine cylinder
or a steam boiler.
Nuance \Nu`ance"\, n. [F.]
A shade of difference; a delicate gradation.
Nub \Nub\, v. t. [Cf. {Knob}.]
To push; to nudge; also, to beckon. [Prov. Eng.]
Nub \Nub\, n.
A jag, or snag; a knob; a protuberance; also, the point or
gist, as of a story. [Colloq.]
Nubbin \Nub"bin\, n.
A small or imperfect ear of maize. [Colloq. U. S.]
Nubble \Nub"ble\, v. t. [Cf. LG. nubben to knock, cuff.]
To beat or bruise with the fist. [Obs.] --Ainsworth.
Nubecula \Nu*bec"u*la\, n.; pl. {Nubecul[ae]} (-l[=e]). [L.,
dim. of nubes cloud.]
1. (Astron.)
(a) A nebula.
(b) pl. Specifically, the Magellanic clouds.
2. (Med.)
(a) A slight spot on the cornea.
(b) A cloudy object or appearance in urine. --Dunglison.
Nubia \Nu"bi*a\, n. [From L. nubes cloud.]
A light fabric of wool, worn on the head by women; a cloud.
Nubian \Nu"bi*an\, a.
Of or pertaining to Nubia in Eastern Africa. -- n. A native
of Nubia.
Nubiferous \Nu*bif"er*ous\, a. [L. nubifer; nubes cloud + ferre
to bear: cf. F. nubif[`e]re.]
Bringing, or producing, clouds.
Nubigenous \Nu*big"e*nous\, a. [L. nubes cloud + -genous.]
Born of, or produced from, clouds. [R.]
Nubilate \Nu"bi*late\, v. t. [L. nubilatus, p. p. of nubilare to
cloud, fr. nubes cloud.]
To cloud. [Obs.]
Nubile \Nu"bile\, a. [L. nubilis, fr. nubere to marry: cf. F.
nubile. See {Nuptial}.]
Of an age suitable for marriage; marriageable. --Prior.
Nubility \Nu*bil"i*ty\, n. [Cf. F. nubilit['e] .]
The state of being marriageable. [R.]
Nubilose \Nu"bi*lose`\, Nubilous \Nu"bi*lous\, a. [L. nubilosus,
nubilus, fr. nubes cloud.]
Cloudy. [R.]
Nucament \Nu"ca*ment\, n. [L. nucamenta fir cones, fr. nux,
nucis, a nut.] (Bot.)
A catkin or ament; the flower cluster of the hazel, pine,
willow, and the like.
Nucamentaceous \Nu`ca*men*ta"ceous\, a. [See {Nucament}.] (Bot.)
Like a nut either in structure or in being indehiscent;
bearing one-seeded nutlike fruits. [Written also
{nucumentaceous}.]
Nucellus \Nu*cel"lus\, n.; pl. {Nucelli}. [NL., dim. of nux,
nucis, a nut.] (Bot.)
See {Nucleus}, 3
(a) .
Nucha \Nu"cha\, n.; pl. {Nuch?}. [LL.] (Zo["o]l.)
The back or upper part of the neck; the nape.
Nuchal \Nu"chal\, a. [Cf. F. nucal.] (Anat.)
Of, pertaining to, or in the region of, the back, or nape, of
the neck; -- applied especially to the anterior median plate
in the carapace of turtles.
Nuciferous \Nu*cif"er*ous\, a. [L. nux, nucis, nut + -ferous.]
Bearing, or producing, nuts.
Nuciform \Nu"ci*form\, a. [L. nux, nucis, nut + -form.] (Bot.)
Shaped like a nut; nut-shaped.
Nucin \Nu"cin\, n. [L. nux, nucis, a nut.] (Chem.)
See {Juglone}.
Nucleal \Nu"cle*al\, Nuclear \Nu"cle*ar\, a.
Of or pertaining to a nucleus; as, the nuclear spindle (see
Illust. of {Karyokinesis}) or the nuclear fibrils of a cell;
the nuclear part of a comet, etc.
Nucleate \Nu"cle*ate\, a. [L. nucleatus having a kernel.]
Having a nucleus; nucleated.
Nucleate \Nu"cle*ate\, v. t. [Cf. L. nucleare to become
kernelly.]
To gather, as about a nucleus or center.
Nucleated \Nu"cle*a`ted\, a.
Having a nucleus; nucleate; as, nucleated cells.
Nucleiform \Nu*cle"i*form\, a. [L. nucleus kernel + -form.]
Formed like a nucleus or kernel.
Nuclein \Nu"cle*in\, n. (Physiol. Chem.)
A constituent of the nuclei of all cells. It is a colorless
amorphous substance, readily soluble in alkaline fluids and
especially characterized by its comparatively large content
of phosphorus. It also contains nitrogen and sulphur.
Nucleobranch \Nu"cle*o*branch\, a. (Zo["o]l.)
Belonging to the Nucleobranchiata. -- n. One of the
Nucleobranchiata.
Nucleobranchiata \Nu`cle*o*bran`chi*a"ta\, n. pl. [NL. See
{Nucleus}, and {Branchia}] (Zo["o]l.)
See {Heteropoda}.
Nucleoidioplasma \Nu`cle*o*id`i*o*plas"ma\, n. [NL. See
{Nucleus}, and {Idioplasma}.] (Biol.)
Hyaline plasma contained in the nucleus of vegetable cells.
Nucleolar \Nu*cle"o*lar\, a. (Biol.)
Of or pertaining to the nucleolus of a cell.
Nucleolated \Nu"cle*o*la`ted\, a.
Having a nucleole, or second inner nucleus.
Nucleole \Nu"cle*ole\, n. [See {Nucleolus}.]
The nucleus within a nucleus; nucleolus.
Nucleolus \Nu*cle"o*lus\, n.; pl. {Nucleoli}. [L., a little nut,
dim. of nucleus.]
1. A little nucleus.
2. (Biol.) A small rounded body contained in the nucleus of a
cell or a protozoan.
Note: It was termed by Agassiz the entoblast. In the
protozoa, where it may be situated on one side of the
nucleus, it is sometimes called the endoplastule, and
is supposed to be concerned in the male part of the
reproductive process. See {Nucleus}.
Nucleoplasm \Nu"cle*o*plasm\, n. [Nucleus + -plasm.] (Biol.)
The matter composing the nucleus of a cell; the protoplasm of
the nucleus; karyoplasma.
Nucleoplasmic \Nu`cle*o*plas"mic\, a. (Biol.)
Of or pertaining to nucleoplasm; -- esp. applied to a body
formed in the developing ovum from the plasma of the nucleus
of the germinal vesicle.
Nucleus \Nu"cle*us\, n.; pl. E. {Nucleuses}, L. {Nuclei}. [L., a
kernel, dim. fr. nux, nucis, nut. Cf. {Newel} post.]
1. A kernel; hence, a central mass or point about which
matter is gathered, or to which accretion is made; the
central or material portion; -- used both literally and
figuratively.
It must contain within itself a nucleus of truth.
--I. Taylor.
2. (Astron.) The body or the head of a comet.
3. (Bot.)
(a) An incipient ovule of soft cellular tissue.
(b) A whole seed, as contained within the seed coats.
4. (Biol.) A body, usually spheroidal, in a cell or a
protozoan, distinguished from the surrounding protoplasm
by a difference in refrangibility and in behavior towards
chemical reagents. It is more or less protoplasmic, and
consists of a clear fluid (achromatin) through which
extends a network of fibers (chromatin) in which may be
suspended a second rounded body, the nucleolus (see
{Nucleoplasm}). See {Cell division}, under {Division}.
Note: The nucleus is sometimes termed the endoplast or
endoblast, and in the protozoa is supposed to be
concerned in the female part of the reproductive
process. See {Karyokinesis}.
5. (Zo["o]l.)
(a) The tip, or earliest part, of a univalve or bivalve
shell.
(b) The central part around which additional growths are
added, as of an operculum.
(c) A visceral mass, containing the stomach and other
organs, in Tunicata and some mollusks.
Nucula \Nu"cu*la\, n. [L., little nut, dim. of nux, nucis, a
nut.] (Zo["o]l.)
A genus of small marine bivalve shells, having a pearly
interior.
Nucle \Nu"cle\, n. [L. nucula a small nut.] (Bot.)
Same as {Nutlet}.
Nucumentaceous \Nu`cu*men*ta"ceous\, a. (Bot.)
See {Nucamentaceous}.
Nudation \Nu*da"tion\, n. [L. nudatio, fr. nudare to make naked,
fr. nudus naked. See {Nude}.]
The act of stripping, or making bare or naked.
Nuddle \Nud"dle\, v. i.
To walk quickly with the head bent forward; -- often with
along. [Prov. Eng.]
Nude \Nude\, a. [L. nudus. See {Naked}.]
1. Bare; naked; unclothed; undraped; as, a nude statue.
2. (Law) Naked; without consideration; void; as, a nude
contract. See {Nudum pactum}. --Blackstone.
{The nude}, the undraped human figure in art. -- {Nude"ly},
adv.- {Nude"ness}, n.
Nudge \Nudge\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Nudge?}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Nudging}.] [Cf. Prov. G. kn["u]tschen to squeeze, pinch, E.
Knock.]
To touch gently, as with the elbow, in order to call
attention or convey intimation.
Nudge \Nudge\, n.
A gentle push, or jog, as with the elbow.
Nudibrachiate \Nu`di*brach"i*ate\, a. [L. nudus naked + brachium
an arm.] (Zo["o]l.)
Having tentacles without vibratile cilia. --Carpenter.
Nudibranch \Nu"di*branch\, a. (Zo["o]l.)
Of or pertaining to the Nudibranchiata. -- n. One of the
Nudibranchiata.
Nudibranchiata \Nu`di*bran`chi*a"ta\, n. pl. [NL. See {Nude},
and {Branchia}.] (Zo["o]l.)
A division of opisthobranchiate mollusks, having no shell
except while very young. The gills are naked and situated
upon the back or sides. See {Ceratobranchia}.
Nudibranchiate \Nu`di*bran"chi*ate\, a. & n. (Zo["o]l.)
Same as {Nudibranch}.
Nudicaul \Nu"di*caul\, a. [L. nudus naked + caulis stem.] (Bot.)
Having the stems leafless.
Nudification \Nu`di*fi*ca"tion\, n. [L. nudus naked + -ficare
(in comp.) to make. See {-fy}.]
The act of making nude.
Nudity \Nu"di*ty\, n.; pl. {Nudities}. [Cf. F. nudit['e] .]
1. The quality or state of being nude; nakedness.
2. That which is nude or naked; naked part; undraped or
unclothed portion; esp. (Fine Arts), the human figure
represented unclothed; any representation of nakedness; --
chiefly used in the plural and in a bad sense.
There are no such licenses permitted in poetry any
more than in painting, to design and color obscene
nudities. --Dryden.
Nudum pactum \Nu"dum pac"tum\ [L., a nude pact.] (Law)
A bare, naked contract, without any consideration. --Tomlins.
Nugacity \Nu*gac"i*ty\, n. [L. nugacitas, fr. nugax, -acis,
trifling.]
Futility; trifling talk or behavior; drollery. [R.] --Dr. H.
More.
Nugae \Nu"g[ae]\, n. pl. [L.]
Trifles; jests.
Nugation \Nu*ga"tion\, n. [Cf. OF. nugation.]
The act or practice of trifling. [R.] --Bacon.
Nugatory \Nu"ga*to*ry\, a. [L. nugatorius, fr. nugari to trifle,
nugae jests, trifles.]
1. Trifling; vain; futile; insignificant.
2. Of no force; inoperative; ineffectual.
If all are pardoned, and pardoned as a mere act of
clemency, the very substance of government is made
nugatory. --I. Taylor.
Nugget \Nug"get\, n. [Earlier niggot, prob. for nigot, an ingot.
See {Ingot}.]
A lump; a mass, esp. a native lump of a precious metal; as, a
nugget of gold.
Nugify \Nu"gi*fy\, v. t. [L. nuggae trifles + -fy.]
To render trifling or futile; to make silly. [R.]
--Coleridge.
Nuisance \Nui"sance\, n. [OE. noisance, OF. noisance, nuisance,
fr. L. nocentia guilt, fr. nocere to hurt, harm; akin to
necare to kill. Cf {Necromancy}, {Nocent}, {Noxious},
{Pernicious}.]
That which annoys or gives trouble and vexation; that which
is offensive or noxious.
Note: Nuisances are public when they annoy citizens in
general; private, when they affect individuals only.
Nuisancer \Nui"san*cer\, n. (Law)
One who makes or causes a nuisance.
Nul \Nul\, a. [F. See {Null}, a.] (Law)
No; not any; as, nul disseizin; nul tort.
Null \Null\, a. [L. nullus not any, none; ne not + ullus any, a
dim. of unus one; cf. F. nul. See {No}, and {One}, and cf.
{None}.]
Of no legal or binding force or validity; of no efficacy;
invalid; void; nugatory; useless.
Faultily faultless, icily regular, splendidly null,
Dead perfection; no more. --Tennyson.
Null \Null\, n.
1. Something that has no force or meaning.
2. That which has no value; a cipher; zero. --Bacon.
{Null method} (Physics.), a zero method. See under {Zero}.
Null \Null\, v. t. [From null, a., or perh. abbrev. from annul.]
To annul. [Obs.] --Milton.
Null \Null\, n. [Etymol. uncertain.]
One of the beads in nulled work.
Nulled \Nulled\, a.
Turned so as to resemble nulls.
{Nulled work} (Cabinetwork), ornamental turned work
resembling nulls or beads strung on a rod.
Nullibiety \Nul`li*bi"e*ty\, n. [L. nullibi nowhere.]
The state or condition of being nowhere. [Obs.]
Nullification \Nul`li*fi*ca"tion\, n. [L. nullificatio contempt.
See {Nullify}.]
The act of nullifying; a rendering void and of no effect, or
of no legal effect.
{Right of nullification} (U. S. Hist.), the right claimed in
behalf of a State to nullify or make void, by its
sovereign act or decree, an enactment of the general
government which it deems unconstitutional.
Nullifidian \Nul`li*fid"i*an\, a. [L. nullus none + fide?
faith.]
Of no faith; also, not trusting to faith for salvation; --
opposed to {solifidian}. --Feltham.
Nullifidian \Nul`li*fid"i*an\, n.
An unbeliever. --B. Jonson.
Nullifier \Nul"li*fi`er\, n.
One who nullifies or makes void; one who maintains the right
to nullify a contract by one of the parties.
Nullify \Nul"li*fy\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Nullified}; p. pr. &
vb. n. {Nullifying}.] [L. nullificare; nullus none + -ficare
(in comp.) to make. See {Null}, a., and {-fy}.]
To make void; to render invalid; to deprive of legal force or
efficacy.
Such correspondence would at once nullify the
conditions of the probationary system. --I. Taylor.
Syn: To abrogate; revoke; annul; repeal; invalidate; cancel.
See {Abolish}.
Nullipore \Nul"li*pore\, n. [L. nullus none + porus pope.]
(Bot.)
A name for certain crustaceous marine alg[ae] which secrete
carbonate of lime on their surface, and were formerly thought
to be of animal nature. They are now considered corallines of
the genera {Melobesia} and {Lithothamnion}.
Nullity \Nul"li*ty\, n.; pl. {Nullities}. [LL. nullitias, fr. L.
nullus none: cf. F. nullit['e] . See {Null}.]
1. The quality or state of being null; nothingness; want of
efficacy or force.
2. (Law) Nonexistence; as, a decree of nullity of marriage is
a decree that no legal marriage exists.
3. That which is null.
Was it not absurd to say that the convention was
supreme in the state, and yet a nullity ?
--Macaulay.
Numb \Numb\, a. [OE. nume, nome, prop., seized, taken, p. p. of
nimen to take, AS. niman, p. p. numen. [root]7. See {Nimble},
{Nomad}, and cf. {Benumb}.]
1. Enfeebled in, or destitute of, the power of sensation and
motion; rendered torpid; benumbed; insensible; as, the
fingers or limbs are numb with cold. ``A stony image, cold
and numb.'' --Shak.
2. Producing numbness; benumbing; as, the numb, cold night.
[Obs.] --Shak.
Numb \Numb\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Numbed}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Numbing}.]
To make numb; to deprive of the power of sensation or motion;
to render senseless or inert; to deaden; to benumb; to
stupefy.
For lazy winter numbs the laboring hand. --Dryden.
Like dull narcotics, numbing pain. --Tennyson.
Numbedness \Numb"ed*ness\, n.
Numbness. [Obs.] --Wiseman.
Number \Num"ber\, n. [OE. nombre, F. nombre, L. numerus; akin to
Gr. ? that which is dealt out, fr. ? to deal out, distribute.
See {Numb}, {Nomad}, and cf. {Numerate}, {Numero},
{Numerous}.]
1. That which admits of being counted or reckoned; a unit, or
an aggregate of units; a numerable aggregate or collection
of individuals; an assemblage made up of distinct things
expressible by figures.
2. A collection of many individuals; a numerous assemblage; a
multitude; many.
Ladies are always of great use to the party they
espouse, and never fail to win over numbers.
--Addison.
3. A numeral; a word or character denoting a number; as, to
put a number on a door.
4. Numerousness; multitude.
Number itself importeth not much in armies where the
people are of weak courage. --Bacon.
5. The state or quality of being numerable or countable.
Of whom came nations, tribes, people, and kindreds
out of number. --2 Esdras
iii. 7.
6. Quantity, regarded as made up of an aggregate of separate
things.
7. That which is regulated by count; poetic measure, as
divisions of time or number of syllables; hence, poetry,
verse; -- chiefly used in the plural.
I lisped in numbers, for the numbers came. --Pope.
8. (Gram.) The distinction of objects, as one, or more than
one (in some languages, as one, or two, or more than two),
expressed (usually) by a difference in the form of a word;
thus, the singular number and the plural number are the
names of the forms of a word indicating the objects
denoted or referred to by the word as one, or as more than
one.
9. (Math.) The measure of the relation between quantities or
things of the same kind; that abstract species of quantity
which is capable of being expressed by figures; numerical
value.
{Abstract number}, {Abundant number}, {Cardinal number}, etc.
See under {Abstract}, {Abundant}, etc.
{In numbers}, in numbered parts; as, a book published in
numbers.
Number \Num"ber\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Numbered}; p. pr & vb. n.
{Numbering}.] [OE. nombren, noumbren, F. nombrer, fr. L.
numerare, numeratum. See {Number}, n.]
1. To count; to reckon; to ascertain the units of; to
enumerate.
If a man can number the dust of the earth, then
shall thy seed also be numbered. --Gen. xiii.
16.
2. To reckon as one of a collection or multitude.
He was numbered with the transgressors. --Is. liii.
12.
3. To give or apply a number or numbers to; to assign the
place of in a series by order of number; to designate the
place of by a number or numeral; as, to number the houses
in a street, or the apartments in a building.
4. To amount; to equal in number; to contain; to consist of;
as, the army numbers fifty thousand.
Thy tears can not number the dead. --Campbell.
{Numbering machine}, a machine for printing consecutive
numbers, as on railway tickets, bank bills, etc.
Syn: To count; enumerate; calculate; tell.
Numberer \Num"ber*er\, n.
One who numbers.
Numberful \Num"ber*ful\, a.
Numerous. [Obs.]
Numberless \Num"ber*less\, a.
Innumerable; countless.
Numberous \Num"ber*ous\, a.
Numerous. [Obs.] --Drant.
Numbers \Num"bers\, n.
pl. of {Number}. The fourth book of the Pentateuch,
containing the census of the Hebrews.
Numbfish \Numb"fish`\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
The torpedo, which numbs by the electric shocks which it
gives.
Numbless \Num"bless\, n. pl.
See {Nombles}.
Numbness \Numb"ness\, n.
The condition of being numb; that state of a living body in
which it loses, wholly or in part, the power of feeling or
motion.
Numerable \Nu"mer*a*ble\, a. [L. numerabilis. See {Number}, v.
t.]
Capable of being numbered or counted.
Numeral \Nu"mer*al\, a. [L. numeralis, fr. numerus number: cf.
F. num['e]ral. See {Number}, n.]
1. Of or pertaining to number; consisting of number or
numerals.
A long train of numeral progressions. --Locke.
2. Expressing number; representing number; as, numeral
letters or characters, as X or 10 for ten.
Numeral \Nu"mer*al\, n.
1. A figure or character used to express a number; as, the
Arabic numerals, 1, 2, 3, etc.; the Roman numerals, I, V,
X, L, etc.
2. A word expressing a number.
Numerally \Nu"mer*al*ly\, adv.
According to number; in number; numerically.
Numerary \Nu"mer*a*ry\, a. [LL. numerarius: cf. F.
num['e]raire.]
Belonging to a certain number; counting as one of a
collection or body.
A supernumerary canon, when he obtains a prebend,
becomes a numerary canon. --Ayliffe.
Numerate \Nu"mer*ate\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Numerated}; p. pr. &
vb. n. {Numerating}.] [L. numeratus, p. p. of numerare to
count. See {Number}, v.] (Arith.)
To divide off and read according to the rules of numeration;
as, to numerate a row of figures.
Numeration \Nu`mer*a"tion\, n. [L. numeratio a counting out: cf.
F. num['e]ration.]
1. The act or art of numbering.
Numeration is but still the adding of one unit more,
and giving to the whole a new name or sign. --Locke.
2. The act or art of reading numbers when expressed by means
of numerals. The term is almost exclusively applied to the
art of reading numbers written in the scale of tens, by
the Arabic method. --Davies & Peck.
Note: For convenience in reading, numbers are usually
separated by commas into periods of three figures each,
as 1,155,465. According to what is called the
``English'' system, the billion is a million of
millions, a trillion a million of billions, and each
higher denomination is a million times the one
preceding. According to the system of the French and
other Continental nations and also that of the United
States, the billion is a thousand millions, and each
higher denomination is a thousand times the preceding.
Numerative \Nu"mer*a*tive\, a.
Of or pertaining to numeration; as, a numerative system.
--Eng. Cyc.
Numerator \Nu"mer*a"tor\, n. [L. numerator: cf. F.
num['e]rateur.]
1. One who numbers.
2. (Math.) The term in a fraction which indicates the number
of fractional units that are taken.
Note: In a vulgar fraction the numerator is written above a
line; thus, in the fraction 5/9 (five ninths) 5 is the
numerator; in a decimal fraction it is the number which
follows the decimal point. See {Fraction}.
Numeric \Nu*mer"ic\, Numerical \Nu*mer"ic*al\, a. [Cf. F.
num['e]rique. See {Number}, n.]
1. Belonging to number; denoting number; consisting in
numbers; expressed by numbers, and not letters; as,
numerical characters; a numerical equation; a numerical
statement.
Note: Numerical, as opposed to {algebraical}, is used to
denote a value irrespective of its sign; thus, -5 is
numerically greater than -3, though algebraically less.
2. The same in number; hence, identically the same;
identical; as, the same numerical body. [Obs.] --South.
Would to God that all my fellow brethren, which with
me bemoan the loss of their books, . . . might
rejoice for the recovery thereof, though not the
same numerical volumes. --Fuller.
{Numerical equation} (Alg.), an equation which has all the
quantities except the unknown expressed in numbers; --
distinguished from {literal equation}.
{Numerical value} of an equation or expression, that deduced
by substituting numbers for the letters, and reducing.
Numeric \Nu*mer"ic\, n. (Math.)
Any number, proper or improper fraction, or incommensurable
ratio. The term also includes any imaginary expression like m
+ n[root]-1, where m and n are real numerics.
Numerically \Nu*mer"ic*al*ly\, adv.
In a numerical manner; in numbers; with respect to number, or
sameness in number; as, a thing is numerically the same, or
numerically different.
Numerist \Nu"mer*ist\, n.
One who deals in numbers. [Obs.] --Sir T. Browne.
Numero \Nu"me*ro\, n. [It., or F. num['e]ro; both fr. L. numerus
number.]
Number; -- often abbrev. No.
Numerosity \Nu`mer*os"i*ty\, n. [L. numerositas.]
1. The state of being numerous; numerousness. [Obs.]
2. Rhythm; harmony; flow. [Obs.]
The numerosity of the sentence pleased the ear. --S.
Parr.
Numerous \Nu"mer*ous\, a. [L. numerosus. See {Number}.]
1. Consisting of a great number of units or individual
objects; being many; as, a numerous army.
Such and so numerous was their chivalry. --Milton.
2. Consisting of poetic numbers; rhythmical; measured and
counted; melodious; musical. [Obs.]
Such prompt eloquence Flowed from their lips, in
prose or numerous verse. --Milton.
-- {Nu"mer*ous*ly}, adv. -- {Nu"mer*ous*ness}, n.
Numidian \Nu*mid"i*an\, a.
Of or pertaining to ancient Numidia in Northern Africa.
{Numidian crane}. (Zo["o]l.) See {Demoiselle}, 2.
Numismatic \Nu`mis*mat"ic\, Numismatical \Nu`mis*mat"ic*al\, a.
[L. numisma, nomisma, a piece of money, coin, fr. Gr. ?
anything sanctioned by usage, the current coin, fr. ? to
introduce a custom, or usage, fr. ? a custom, or usage, fr. ?
to distribute, assign: cf. F. numismatique. See {Nomad}.]
Of or pertaining to coins; relating to the science of coins
or medals.
Numismatics \Nu`mis*mat"ics\, n. [Cf. F. numismatique.]
The science of coins and medals.
Numismatist \Nu*mis"ma*tist\, n.
One skilled in numismatics; a numismatologist.
Numismatography \Nu*mis`ma*tog"ra*phy\, n. [L. numisma, -atis
(Gr. ?) + -graphy.]
A treatise on, or description of, coins and medals.
Numismatologist \Nu*mis`ma*tol"o*gist\, n.
One versed in numismatology.
Numismatology \Nu*mis`ma*tol"o*gy\, n. [L. numisma, -atis +
-logy.]
The science which treats of coins and medals, in their
relation to history; numismatics.
Nummary \Num"ma*ry\, a. [L. nummarius, from nummus a coin.]
Of or relating to coins or money.
Nummular \Num"mu*lar\, Nummulary \Num"mu*la*ry\, a. [L.
nummularius, fr. nummulus, dim. of nummus a coin: cf. F.
nummulaire.]
1. Of or pertaining to coin or money; pecuniary; as, the
nummulary talent.
2. (Pathol.) Having the appearance or form of a coin.
``Nummular sputa.'' --Sir T. Watson.
Nummulation \Num`mu*la"tion\, n. (Physiol.)
The arrangement of the red blood corpuscles in rouleaux, like
piles of coins, as when a drop of human blood is examined
under the microscope.
Nummulite \Num"mu*lite\, n. [L. nummus a coin + -lite: cf. F.
nummulite.] (Paleon.)
A fossil of the genus Nummulites and allied genera.
Nummulites \Num`mu*li"tes\, n. [NL. See {Nummulite}.] (Paleon.)
A genus of extinct Tertiary Foraminifera, having a thin,
flat, round shell, containing a large number of small
chambers arranged spirally.
Nummulitic \Num`mu*lit"ic\, a.
Of, like, composed of, containing, nummulites; as, nummulitic
beds.
Numps \Numps\, n. [Cf. {Numb}.]
A dolt; a blockhead. [Obs.] --Bp. Parker.
Numskull \Num"skull`\, n. [Numb + skull.]
A dunce; a dolt; a stupid fellow. [Colloq.]
They have talked like numskulls. --Arbuthnot.
Numskulled \Num"skulled`\, a.
Stupid; doltish. [Colloq.]
Nun \Nun\, n. [OE. nunne, AS. nunne, fr. L. nonna nun, nonnus
monk; cf. Gr. ?, ?; of unknown origin. Cf. {Nunnery}.]
1. A woman devoted to a religious life, who lives in a
convent, under the three vows of poverty, chastity, and
obedience.
They holy time is quiet as a nun Breathless with
adoration. --Wordsworth.
2. (Zo["o]l.)
(a) A white variety of domestic pigeons having a veil of
feathers covering the head.
(b) The smew.
(c) The European blue titmouse.
{Gray nuns} (R. C. Ch.), the members of a religious order
established in Montreal in 1745, whence branches were
introduced into the United States in 1853; -- so called
from the color or their robe, and known in religion as
{Sisters of Charity of Montreal}.
{Nun buoy}. See under {Buoy}.
Nunchion \Nun"chion\, n. [OE. nonechenche, for noneschenche,
prop., a noon drink; none noon + schenchen, schenken,
skinken, to pour, AS. scencan. See {Noon}, and {Skink}, v.
i.]
A portion of food taken at or after noon, usually between
full meals; a luncheon. [Written also {noonshun}.]
--Hudibras.
Nunciate \Nun"ci*ate\, n.
One who announces; a messenger; a nuncio. [Obs.] --Hoole.
Nunciature \Nun"ci*a*ture\, n. [L. nunciare, nuntiare, to
announce, report, fr. nuncius, nuntius, messenger: cf. F.
nonciature, It. nunziatura. See {Nuncio}.]
The office of a nuncio. --Clarendon.
Nuncio \Nun"ci*o\, n.; pl. {Nuncios}. [It. nunzio, nuncio, fr.
L. nuncius, nuntius, messenger; perh. akin to novus new, E.
new, and thus, one who brings news. Cf. {Announce}.]
1. A messenger. [Obs.] --Shak.
2. The permanent official representative of the pope at a
foreign court or seat of government. Distinguished from a
legate a latere, whose mission is temporary in its nature,
or for some special purpose. Nuncios are of higher rank
than internuncios.
Nuncius \Nun"ci*us\, n.; pl. {Nuncii}. [L.] (Roman & Old Eng.
Law)
(a) A messenger.
(b) The information communicated.
Nuncupate \Nun"cu*pate\, v. t. [L. nuncupatus, p. p. of
nuncupare to nuncupate, prob. fr. nomen name + capere to
take.]
1. To declare publicly or solemnly; to proclaim formally.
[Obs.]
In whose presence did St. Peter nuncupate it ?
--Barrow.
2. To dedicate by declaration; to inscribe; as, to nuncupate
a book. [Obs.] --Evelyn.
Nuncupation \Nun`cu*pa"tion\, n. [L. nuncupatio.]
The act of nuncupating. [Obs.]
Nuncupative \Nun*cu"pa*tive\, a. [L. nuncupativus nominal: cf.
F. nuncupatif.]
1. Publicly or solemnly declaratory. [Obs.]
2. Nominal; existing only in name. [Obs.]
3. Oral; not written.
{Nuncupative will} or {testament}, a will or testament made
by word of mouth only, before witnesses, as by a soldier
or seaman, and depending on oral testimony for proof.
--Blackstone.
Nuncupatory \Nun*cu"pa*to*ry\, a.
Nuncupative; oral.
Nundinal \Nun"di*nal\, n.
A nundinal letter.
Nundinal \Nun"di*nal\, Nundinary \Nun"di*na*ry\, a. [L.
nundinalis, nundinarius, fr. nundinae the market day, the
weekly market, prop., the ninth day, fr. nundinus belonging
to nine days; novem nine + dies day: cf. F. nundinal.]
Of or pertaining to a fair, or to a market day.
{Nundinal letter}, among the Romans, one of the first eight
letters of the alphabet, which were repeated successively
from the first to the last day of the year. One of these
always expressed the market day, which returned every nine
days (every eight days by our reckoning).
Nundinate \Nun"di*nate\, v. i. [L. nundinatus, p. p. of
nundinary to attend fairs, to traffic. See {Nundinal}, a.]
To buy and sell at fairs or markets. [Obs.]
Nundination \Nun`di*na"tion\, n. [L. nundinatio.]
Traffic at fairs; marketing; buying and selling. [Obs.]
Common nundination of pardons. --Abp.
Bramhall.
Nunnation \Nun*na"tion\, n. [From nun, the Arabic name of the
letter n: cf. NL. nunnatio, F. nunnation.] (Arabic Gram.)
The pronunciation of n at the end of words.
Nunnery \Nun"ner*y\, n.; pl. {Nunneries}. [OE. nonnerie, OF.
nonerie, F. nonnerie, fr. nonne nun, L. nonna. See {Nun}.]
A house in which nuns reside; a cloister or convent in which
women reside for life, under religious vows. See {Cloister},
and {Convent}.
Nunnish \Nun"nish\, a.
Of, pertaining to, or resembling a nun; characteristic of a
nun. -- {Nun"nish*ness}, n.
Nup \Nup\, n.
Same as {Nupson}. [Obs.]
Nuphar \Nu"phar\, n. [Per. n?far.] (Bot.)
A genus of plants found in the fresh-water ponds or lakes of
Europe, Asia, and North America; the yellow water lily. Cf.
{Nymphaea}.
Nupson \Nup"son\, n. [Of doubtful origin.]
A simpleton; a fool. [Obs.] --B. Jonson.
Nuptial \Nup"tial\, a. [L. nuptialis, fr. nuptiae marriage,
wedding, fr. nubere, nuptum, prop., to cover, to veil, hence,
to marry, as the head of the bride was covered with a veil;
cf. Gr. ? bride, nymph: cf. F. nuptial.]
Of or pertaining to marriage; done or used at a wedding; as,
nuptial rites and ceremonies.
Then, all in heat, They light the nuptial torch.
--Milton.
Nuptial \Nup"tial\, n.; pl. {Nuptials}.
Marriage; wedding; nuptial ceremony; -- now only in the
plural.
Celebration of that nuptial, which We two have sworn
shall come. --Shak.
Preparations . . . for the approaching nuptials.
--Prescott.
Nur \Nur\, n. [Cf. {Knur}.]
A hard knot in wood; also, a hard knob of wood used by boys
in playing hockey.
I think I'm as hard as a nur, and as tough as
whitleather. --W. Howitt.
Nurl \Nurl\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Nurled}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Nurling}.] [Cf. {Knurl}.]
To cut with reeding or fluting on the edge of, as coins, the
heads of screws, etc.; to knurl.
Nurse \Nurse\, n. [OE. nourse, nurice, norice, OF. nurrice,
norrice, nourrice, F. nourrice, fr. L. nutricia nurse, prop.,
fem. of nutricius that nourishes; akin to nutrix, -icis,
nurse, fr. nutrire to nourish. See {Nourish}, and cf.
{Nutritious}.]
1. One who nourishes; a person who supplies food, tends, or
brings up; as:
(a) A woman who has the care of young children;
especially, one who suckles an infant not her own.
(b) A person, especially a woman, who has the care of the
sick or infirm.
2. One who, or that which, brings up, rears, causes to grow,
trains, fosters, or the like.
The nurse of manly sentiment and heroic enterprise.
--Burke.
3. (Naut.) A lieutenant or first officer, who is the real
commander when the captain is unfit for his place.
4. (Zo["o]l.)
(a) A peculiar larva of certain trematodes which produces
cercari[ae] by asexual reproduction. See {Cercaria},
and {Redia}.
(b) Either one of the nurse sharks.
{Nurse shark}. (Zo["o]l.)
(a) A large arctic shark ({Somniosus microcephalus}),
having small teeth and feeble jaws; -- called also
{sleeper shark}, and {ground shark}.
(b) A large shark ({Ginglymostoma cirratum}), native of
the West Indies and Gulf of Mexico, having the dorsal
fins situated behind the ventral fins.
{To put to nurse}, or {To put out to nurse}, to send away to
be nursed; to place in the care of a nurse.
{Wet nurse}, {Dry nurse}. See {Wet nurse}, and {Dry nurse},
in the Vocabulary.
Nurse \Nurse\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Nursed}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Nursing}.]
1. To nourish; to cherish; to foster; as:
(a) To nourish at the breast; to suckle; to feed and tend,
as an infant.
(b) To take care of or tend, as a sick person or an
invalid; to attend upon.
Sons wont to nurse their parents in old age.
--Milton.
Him in Egerian groves Aricia bore, And nursed
his youth along the marshy shore. --Dryden.
2. To bring up; to raise, by care, from a weak or invalid
condition; to foster; to cherish; -- applied to plants,
animals, and to any object that needs, or thrives by,
attention. ``To nurse the saplings tall.'' --Milton.
By what hands [has vice] been nursed into so
uncontrolled a dominion? --Locke.
3. To manage with care and economy, with a view to increase;
as, to nurse our national resources.
4. To caress; to fondle, as a nurse does. --A. Trollope.
{To nurse billiard balls}, to strike them gently and so as to
keep them in good position during a series of caroms.
Nursehound \Nurse"hound`\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
See {Houndfish}.
Nursemaid \Nurse"maid`\, n.
A girl employed to attend children.
Nursepond \Nurse"pond`\, n.
A pond where fish are fed. --Walton.
Nurser \Nurs"er\, n.
One who nurses; a nurse; one who cherishes or encourages
growth.
Nursery \Nurs"er*y\, n.; pl. {Nurseries}. [Cf. F. nourricerie.]
1. The act of nursing. [Obs.] ``Her kind nursery.'' --Shak.
2. The place where nursing is carried on; as:
(a) The place, or apartment, in a house, appropriated to
the care of children.
(b) A place where young trees, shrubs, vines, etc., are
propagated for the purpose of transplanting; a
plantation of young trees.
(c) The place where anything is fostered and growth
promoted. ``Fair Padua, nursery of arts.'' --Shak.
Christian families are the nurseries of the
church on earth, as she is the nursery of the
church in heaven. --J. M. Mason.
(d) That which forms and educates; as, commerce is the
nursery of seamen.
3. That which is nursed. [R.] --Milton.
Nurseryman \Nurs"er*y*man\, n.; pl. {Nurserymen}.
One who cultivates or keeps a nursery, or place for rearing
trees, etc.
Nursing \Nurs"ing\, a.
Supplying or taking nourishment from, or as from, the breast;
as, a nursing mother; a nursing infant.
Nursling \Nurs"ling\, n. [Nurse + -ling.]
One who, or that which, is nursed; an infant; a fondling.
I was his nursling once, and choice delight. --Milton.
Nurstle \Nurs"tle\, v. t.
To nurse. See {Noursle}. [Obs.]
Nurture \Nur"ture\, n. [OE. norture, noriture, OF. norriture,
norreture, F. nourriture, fr. L. nutritura a nursing,
suckling. See {Nourish}.]
1. The act of nourishing or nursing; thender care; education;
training.
A man neither by nature nor by nurture wise.
--Milton.
2. That which nourishes; food; diet. --Spenser.
Nurture \Nur"ture\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Nurtured}; p. pr. & vb.
n. {Nurturing}.]
1. To feed; to nourish.
2. To educate; to bring or train up.
He was nurtured where he had been born. --Sir H.
Wotton.
Syn: To nourish; nurse; cherish; bring up; educate; tend.
Usage: To {Nurture}, {Nourish}, {Cherish}. Nourish denotes to
supply with food, or cause to grow; as, to nourish a
plant, to nourish rebellion. To nurture is to train up
with a fostering care, like that of a mother; as, to
nurture into strength; to nurture in sound principles.
To cherish is to hold and treat as dear; as, to
cherish hopes or affections.
Nustle \Nus"tle\, v. t. [Cf. {Nuzzle}.]
To fondle; to cherish. [Obs.]
Nut \Nut\, n. [OE. nute, note, AS. hnutu; akin to D. noot, G.
nuss, OHG. nuz, Icel. hnot, Sw. n["o]t, Dan. n["o]d.]
1. (Bot.) The fruit of certain trees and shrubs (as of the
almond, walnut, hickory, beech, filbert, etc.), consisting
of a hard and indehiscent shell inclosing a kernel.
2. A perforated block (usually a small piece of metal),
provided with an internal or female screw thread, used on
a bolt, or screw, for tightening or holding something, or
for transmitting motion. See Illust. of lst {Bolt}.
3. The tumbler of a gunlock. --Knight.
4. (Naut.) A projection on each side of the shank of an
anchor, to secure the stock in place.
{Check nut}, {Jam nut}, {Lock nut}, a nut which is screwed up
tightly against another nut on the same bolt or screw, in
order to prevent accidental unscrewing of the first nut.
{Nut buoy}. See under {Buoy}.
{Nut coal}, screened coal of a size smaller than stove coal
and larger than pea coal; -- called also {chestnut coal}.
{Nut crab} (Zo["o]l.), any leucosoid crab of the genus
{Ebalia} as, {Ebalia tuberosa} of Europe.
{Nut grass} (Bot.), a plant of the Sedge family ({Cyperus
rotundus}, var. Hydra), which has slender rootstocks
bearing small, nutlike tubers, by which the plant
multiplies exceedingly, especially in cotton fields.
{Nut lock}, a device, as a metal plate bent up at the
corners, to prevent a nut from becoming unscrewed, as by
jarring.
{Nut pine}. (Bot.) See under {Pine}.
{Nut rush} (Bot.), a genus of cyperaceous plants ({Scleria})
having a hard bony achene. Several species are found in
the United States and many more in tropical regions.
{Nut tree}, a tree that bears nuts.
{Nut weevil} (Zo["o]l.), any species of weevils of the genus
{Balaninus} and other allied genera, which in the larval
state live in nuts.
Nut \Nut\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Nutted}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Nutting}.]
To gather nuts.
Nutant \Nu"tant\, a. [L. nutans, p. pr. of nutare to nod, v.
intens. fr. nuere (in comp.) to nod; cf. Gr. ?.]
Nodding; having the top bent downward.
Nutation \Nu*ta"tion\, n. [L. nutatio a nodding, fr. nutare to
nod: cf. F. nutation.]
1. The act of nodding.
So from the midmost the nutation spreads, Round and
more round, o'er all the sea of heads. --Pope.
2. (Astron.) A very small libratory motion of the earth's
axis, by which its inclination to the plane of the
ecliptic is constantly varying by a small amount.
3. (Bot.)
(a) The motion of a flower in following the apparent
movement of the sun, from the east in the morning to
the west in the evening.
(b) Circumnutation.
Nutbreaker \Nut"break`er\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
(a) The European nuthatch.
(b) The nutcracker.
Nut-brown \Nut"-brown`\, a.
Brown as a nut long kept and dried. ``The spicy nutbrown
ale.'' --Milton.
Nutcracker \Nut"crack`er\, n.
1. An instrument for cracking nuts.
2. (Zo["o]l.)
(a) A European bird ({Nucifraga caryocatactes}), allied to
the magpie and crow. Its color is dark brown, spotted
with white. It feeds on nuts, seeds, and insects.
(b) The American, or Clarke's, nutcracker ({Picicorvus
Columbianus}) of Western North America.
Nutgall \Nut"gall`\, n.
A more or less round gall resembling a nut, esp. one of those
produced on the oak and used in the arts. See {Gall},
{Gallnut}.
Nuthatch \Nut"hatch`\, n. [OE. nuthake. See 2d {Hack}.]
(Zo["o]l.)
Any one of several species of birds of the genus {Sitta}, as
the European species ({Sitta Europ[ae]a}). The white-breasted
nuthatch ({S. Carolinensis}), the red-breasted nuthatch ({S.
Canadensis}), the pygmy nuthatch ({S. pygm[ae]a}), and
others, are American.
Nuthook \Nut"hook`\, n.
1. A hook at the end of a pole to pull down boughs for
gathering the nuts.
2. A thief who steals by means of a hook; also, a bailiff who
hooks or seizes malefactors. --Shak.
Nutjobber \Nut"job`ber\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
The nuthatch. [Prov. Eng.]
Nutlet \Nut"let\, n. (Bot.)
A small nut; also, the stone of a drupe.
Nutmeg \Nut"meg\, n. [OE. notemuge; note nut + OF. muge musk, of
the same origin as E. musk; cf. OF. noix muguette nutmeg, F.
noix muscade. See {Nut}, and {Musk}.] (Bot.)
The kernel of the fruit of the nutmeg tree ({Myristica
fragrans}), a native of the Molucca Islands, but cultivated
elsewhere in the tropics.
Note: This fruit is a nearly spherical drupe, of the size of
a pear, of a yellowish color without and almost white
within. This opens into two nearly equal longitudinal
valves, inclosing the nut surrounded by its aril, which
is mace The nutmeg is an aromatic, very grateful to the
taste and smell, and much used in cookery. Other
species of {Myristica} yield nutmegs of inferior
quality.
{American}, {Calabash}, or {Jamaica}, {nutmeg}, the fruit of
a tropical shrub ({Monodora Myristica}). It is about the
size of an orange, and contains many aromatic seeds
imbedded in pulp.
{Brazilian nutmeg}, the fruit of a lauraceous tree,
{Cryptocarya moschata}.
{California nutmeg}, tree of the Yew family ({Torreya
Californica}), growing in the Western United States, and
having a seed which resembles a nutmeg in appearance, but
is strongly impregnated with turpentine.
{Clove nutmeg}, the {Ravensara aromatica}, a laura ceous tree
of Madagascar. The foliage is used as a spice, but the
seed is acrid and caustic.
{Jamaica nutmeg}. See American nutmeg (above).
{Nutmeg bird} (Zo["o]l.), an Indian finch ({Munia
punctularia}).
{Nutmeg butter}, a solid oil extracted from the nutmeg by
expression.
{Nutmeg flower} (Bot.), a ranunculaceous herb ({Nigella
sativa}) with small black aromatic seeds, which are used
medicinally and for excluding moths from furs and
clothing.
{Nutmeg liver} (Med.), a name applied to the liver, when, as
the result of heart or lung disease, it undergoes
congestion and pigmentation about the central veins of its
lobules, giving it an appearance resembling that of a
nutmeg.
{Nutmeg melon} (Bot.), a small variety of muskmelon of a rich
flavor.
{Nutmeg pigeon} (Zo["o]l.), any one of several species of
pigeons of the genus {Myristicivora}, native of the East
Indies and Australia. The color is usually white, or
cream-white, with black on the wings and tail.
{Nutmeg wood} (Bot.), the wood of the Palmyra palm.
{Peruvian nutmeg}, the aromatic seed of a South American tree
({Laurelia sempervirens}).
{Plume nutmeg} (Bot.), a spicy tree of Australia
({Atherosperma moschata}).
Nutmegged \Nut"megged\, a.
Seasoned with nutmeg.
Nutpecker \Nut"peck`er\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
The nuthatch.
Nutria \Nu"tri*a\, n. [Sp. nutria an otter, fr. L. lutra,
lytra.]
The fur of the coypu. See {Coypu}.
Nutrication \Nu`tri*ca"tion\, n. [L. nutricatio, fr. nutricare,
nutricari, to suckle, nourish, fr. nutrix a nurse.]
The act or manner of feeding. [Obs.] --Sir T. Browne.
Nutrient \Nu"tri*ent\, a. [L. nutriens, p. pr. of nutrire. See
{Nourish}.]
Nutritious; nourishing; promoting growth. -- n. Any substance
which has nutritious qualities, i. e., which nourishes or
promotes growth.
Nutriment \Nu"tri*ment\, n. [L. nutrimentum, fr. nutrire to
nourish. See {Nourish}.]
1. That which nourishes; anything which promotes growth and
repairs the natural waste of animal or vegetable life;
food; aliment.
The stomach returns what it has received, in
strength and nutriment diffused into all parts of
the body. --South.
2. That which promotes development or growth.
Is not virtue in mankind The nutriment that feeds
the mind ? --Swift.
Nutrimental \Nu`tri*men"tal\, a.
Nutritious.
Nutritial \Nu*tri"tial\, a.
Pertaining to, or connected with, nutrition; nutritious.
[Obs.] --Chapman.
Nutrition \Nu*tri"tion\, n. [Cf. F. nutrition. See
{Nutritious}.]
1. (Physiol.) In the broadest sense, a process or series of
processes by which the living organism as a whole (or its
component parts or organs) is maintained in its normal
condition of life and growth.
Note: In this wide sense it comprehends digestion,
absorption, circulation, assimilation, etc., in fact
all of the steps by which the nutritive matter of the
food is fitted for incorporation with the different
tissues, and the changes which it undergoes after its
assimilation, prior to its excretion. See {Metabolism}.
2. (Physiol.) In a more limited sense, the process by which
the living tissues take up, from the blood, matters
necessary either for their repair or for the performance
of their healthy functions.
3. That which nourishes; nutriment.
Fixed like a plant, on his peculiar spot, To draw
nutrition, propagate, and rot. --Pope.
Nutritional \Nu*tri"tion*al\, a.
Of or pertaining to nutrition; as, nutritional changes.
Nutritious \Nu*tri"tious\, a. [L. nutricius, nutritius, from
nutrix, -icis, a nurse, nutrire to nourish. See {Nurse},
{Nourish}.]
Nourishing; promoting growth, or preventing decay; alimental.
-- {Nu*tri"tious*ly}, adv. -- {Nu*tri"tious*ness}, n.
Nutritive \Nu"tri*tive\, a. [Cf. F. nutritif.]
Of or pertaining to nutrition; as, the nutritive functions;
having the quality of nourishing; nutritious; nutrimental;
alimental; as, nutritive food or berries.
{Nutritive plasma}. (Biol.) See {Idioplasma}.
{Nutritive polyp} (Zo["o]l.), any one of the zooids of a
compound hydroid, or coral, which has a mouth and
digestive cavity. -- {Nu"tri*tive*ly}, adv. --
{Nu"tri*tive*ness}, n.
Nutriture \Nu"tri*ture\, n. [L. nutritura, fr. nutrir? to
nourish.]
Nutrition; nourishment. [Obs.] --Harvey.
Nutshell \Nut"shell`\, n.
1. The shell or hard external covering in which the kernel of
a nut is inclosed.
2. Hence, a thing of little compass, or of little value.
3. (Zo["o]l.) A shell of the genus Nucula.
{To} {be, or lie}, {in a nutshell}, to be within a small
compass; to admit of very brief or simple determination or
statement. ``The remedy lay in a nutshell.'' --Macaulay.
Nutter \Nut"ter\, n.
A gatherer of nuts.
Nutting \Nut"ting\, n.
The act of gathering nuts.
Nutty \Nut"ty\, a.
1. Abounding in nuts.
2. Having a flavor like that of nuts; as, nutty wine.
Nux vomica \Nux` vom"i*ca\ [NL., fr. L. nux ? nut + vomere to
vomit.]
The seed of {Strychnos Nuxvomica}, a tree which abounds on
the Malabar and Coromandel coasts of the East Indies. From
this seed the deadly poisons known as strychnine and brucine
are obtained. The seeds are sometimes called Quaker buttons.
Nuzzle \Nuz"zle\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Nuzzied};p. pr. & vb. n.
{Nuzzling}.] [See {Noursle}.]
1. To noursle or nurse; to foster; to bring up. [Obs.]
The people had been nuzzled in idolatry. --Milton.
2. [Perh. a corruption of nestle. Cf. {Nustle}.] To nestle;
to house, as in a nest.
Nuzzle \Nuz"zle\, v. i. [Dim. fr. nose. See {Nozzle}.]
1. To work with the nose, like a swine in the mud.
And nuzzling in his flank, the loving swine
Sheathed, unaware, the tusk in his soft groin.
--Shak.
He charged through an army of lawyers, sometimes . .
. nuzzling like an eel in the mud. --Arbuthnot.
2. To go with head poised like a swine, with nose down.
Sir Roger shook his ears, and nuzzled along.
--Arbuthnot.
3. [Cf. {Nuzzle}, v. t., 2.] To hide the head, as a child in
the mother's bosom; to nestle.
4. To loiter; to idle. [Prov. Eng.] --Halliwell.
Ny \Ny\ [Contr. fr. ne I.]
Not I; nor I. [Obs.]
Ny \Ny\, Nye \Nye\, a. & adv.
Nigh. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Nyas \Ny"as\, n.
See {Nias}.
Nyctalopia \Nyc`ta*lo"pi*a\, n. [L. nyctalopia, fr. nyctalops a
nyctalops, Gr. ?. Gr. ? meant, a person affected either with
day blindness or with night blindness, and in the former case
was derived fr. ?, ?, night + ?, ?, the eye; in the latter,
fr. ? + ? blind + ?.] (Med.)
(a) A disease of the eye, in consequence of which the patient
can see well in a faint light or at twilight, but is
unable to see during the day or in a strong light; day
blindness.
(b) See {Moonblink}.
Note: Some writers (as Quain) use the word in the opposite
sense, night blindness. See {Hemeralopia}.
Nyctalops \Nyc"ta*lops\, n. [L., from Gr. ?.]
One afflicted with nyctalopia.
Nyctalopy \Nyc"ta*lo`py\, n.
Same as {Nyctalopia}.
Nycthemeron \Nyc*the"me*ron\, n. [Gr. ?; ?, ?, night + ? day.]
The natural day and night, or space of twenty-four hours.
Nyctibune \Nyc"ti*bune\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
A South American bird of the genus {Nyctibius}, allied to the
goatsuckers.
Nyctitropic \Nyc`ti*trop"ic\, a. [From Gr. ?, ?, night + ?
turning.] (Bot.)
Turning or bending at night into special positions.
Note: Nyctitropic movements of plants usually consist in a
folding or drooping of the leaves, the advantage being
in lessening the radiation of heat.
Nyctophile \Nyc"to*phile\, n. [Gr. ?, ?, night + ? to love.]
(Zo["o]l.)
Any Australian bat of the genus {Nyctophilus}, having a very
simple nasal appendage.
Nye \Nye\, n. [Prob. fr. F. nid nest, brood, L. nidus nest. See
{Nest}, and cf. {Eye} brood, {Nide}.]
A brood or flock of pheasants.
Nyentek \Ny*en"tek\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
A carnivorous mannual ({Helictis moscatus}, or {H.
orientalis}), native of Eastern Asia and the Indies. It has a
dorsal white stripe, and another one across the shoulders. It
has a strong musky odor.
Nylghau \Nyl"ghau\, Nylgau \Nyl"gau\, n. [Hind. & Per.
n[=i]lg[=a]w, prop., a blue cow; Per. n[=i]l blue + g[=a]w
cow. See {Lilac}, and {Cow} the animal.] (Zo["o]l.)
A large Asiatic antelope ({Boselaphus, or Portax,
tragocamelus}), found in Northern India. It has short horns,
a black mane, and a bunch of long hair on the throat. The
general color is grayish brown. [Written also {neelghau},
{nilgau}, and {nylghaie}.]
Nymph \Nymph\, n. [L. nympha nymph, bride, young woman, Gr. ?:
cf. F. nymphe. Cf. {Nuptial}.]
1. (Class. Myth.) A goddess of the mountains, forests,
meadows, or waters.
Where were ye, nymphs, when the remorseless deep
Closed o'er the head of your loved Lycidas ?
--Milton.
2. Hence: A lovely young girl; a maiden; a damsel.
Nymph, in thy orisons Be all my sins remembered.
--Shak.
3. (Zo["o]l.) The pupa of an insect; a chrysalis.
4. (Zo["o]l.) Any one of a subfamily ({Najades}) of
butterflies including the purples, the fritillaries, the
peacock butterfly, etc.; -- called also {naiad}.
Nympha \Nym"pha\, n.; pl. {Nymph[ae]}. [L. See {Nymph} a
goddess.]
1. (Zo["o]l.) Same as {Nymph}, 3.
2. pl. (Anat.) Two folds of mucous membrane, within the
labia, at the opening of the vulva.
Nymphaea \Nym*ph[ae]"a\, n. [L., the water lily, Gr. ?.] (Bot.)
A genus of aquatic plants having showy flowers (white, blue,
pink, or yellow, often fragrant), including the white water
lily and the Egyptia lotus.
Note: Recent critics have endeavored to show that this genus
should be called {Castalia}, and the name {Nymph[ae]a}
transferred to what is now known as {Nuphar}.
Nymphal \Nymph"al\, a.
Of or pertaining to a nymph or nymphs; nymphean.
Nymphales \Nym*pha"les\, n. pl. [NL.] (Zo["o]l.)
An extensive family of butterflies including the nymphs, the
satyrs, the monarchs, the heliconias, and others; -- called
also {brush-footed butterflies}.
Nymphean \Nym*phe"an\, a. [Gr. ?. See {Nymph}.]
Of, pertaining to, or appropriate to, nymphs; inhabited by
nymphs; as, a nymphean cave.
Nymphet \Nymph"et\, n.
A little or young nymph. [Poetic] ``The nymphets sporting
there.'' --Drayton.
Nymphic \Nymph"ic\, Nymphical \Nymph"ic*al\, a. [Gr. ? bridal.]
Of or pertaining to nymphs.
Nymphiparous \Nym*phip"a*rous\, a. [Nymph + L. parere to
produce.] (Zo["o]l.)
Producing pupas or nymphs.
Nymphish \Nymph"ish\, a.
Relating to nymphs; ladylike. ``Nymphish war.'' --Drayton.
Nymphlike \Nymph"like`\, Nymphly \Nymph"ly\, a.
Resembling, or characteristic of, a nymph.
Nympholepsy \Nym"pho*lep`sy\, n. [Gr. ? a nymph + ? to seize.]
A species of demoniac enthusiasm or possession coming upon
one who had accidentally looked upon a nymph; ecstasy. [R.]
--De Quincey.
The nympholepsy of some fond despair. --Byron.
Nympholeptic \Nym`pho*lep"tic\, a.
Under the influence of nympholepsy; ecstatic; frenzied.
[Poetic]
Nymphomania \Nym`pho*ma"ni*a\, n. [Gr. ? a bride + ? madness.]
(Med.)
Morbid and uncontrollable sexual desire in women,
constituting a true disease.
Nymphomany \Nym"pho*ma`ny\, n. [Cf. F. nymphomanie.] (Med.)
Same as {Nymphomania}.
Nymphotomy \Nym*phot"o*my\, n. [Nympha + Gr. ? to cut.] (Med.)
Excision of the nymph[ae].
Nys \Nys\
Is not. See {Nis}. --Chaucer. Spenser.
Nystagmus \Nys*tag"mus\, n. [NL., fr. Gr. ? drowsiness, fr. ? to
nod in sleep, to slumber.] (Med.)
A rapid involuntary oscillation of the eyeballs.
Nyula \Ny*u"la\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
A species of ichneumon ({Herpestes nyula}). Its fur is
beautifully variegated by closely set zigzag markings.