Online English Dictionary Free Words Starting with Letter N

 N 

N1  n. (also n) (pl. Ns or n's) 1 fourteenth letter of the alphabet. 2 (usu. N) indefinite number. ~ to the nth degree to the utmost.

N2  abbr. (also n.) 1 north; northern. 2 new.

N3  symb. Nitrogen.

N  abbr. (also n.) 1 name. 2 neuter.

Na  symb. Sodium.

Naafi  abbr. 1 navy, army, and air force institutes. 2 canteen for servicemen run by the naafi.

Nab  v. (-bb-) slang 1 arrest; catch in wrongdoing. 2 grab. [origin unknown]

Nacho  n. (pl. -s) tortilla chip, usu. Topped with melted cheese and spices etc. [origin uncertain]

Nacre  n. Mother-of-pearl from any shelled mollusc. ~ nacreous adj. [french]

Nadir  n. 1 part of the celestial sphere directly below an observer. 2 lowest point; time of deep despair. [arabic, = opposite]

Naevus  n. (us nevus) (pl. Naevi) 1 raised red birthmark. 2 = +mole2. [latin]

Naff  adj. Slang 1 unfashionable. 2 rubbishy. [origin unknown]

Nag1  v. (-gg-) 1 a persistently criticize or scold. B (often foll. By at) find fault or urge, esp. Persistently. 2 (of a pain) be persistent. [originally a dial. Word]

Nag2  n. Colloq. Horse. [origin unknown]

Naiad  n. Water-nymph. [latin from greek]

Nail  —n. 1 small metal spike hammered in to join things together or as a peg or decoration. 2 horny covering on the upper surface of the tip of the human finger or toe. —v. 1 fasten with a nail or nails. 2 secure or get hold of (a person or thing). 3 keep (attention etc.) Fixed. 4 expose or discover (a lie or liar). ~ nail down 1 bind (a person) to a promise etc. 2 define precisely. 3 fasten (a thing) with nails. Nail in a person's coffin something thought to increase the risk of death. On the nail (esp. Of payment) without delay. [old english]

Nail-file  n. Roughened metal or emery strip used for smoothing the nails.

Nail polish  n. (also nail varnish) varnish, usu. Coloured, applied to the nails.

Naïve  adj. (also naive) 1 innocent; unaffected. 2 foolishly credulous. 3 (of art) produced in a sophisticated society but lacking conventional expertise. ~ naïvely adv. Naïvety n. (also naïveté). [latin nativus +native]

Naked  adj. 1 without clothes; nude. 2 without its usual covering. 3 undisguised (the naked truth). 4 (of a light, flame, sword, etc.) Unprotected or unsheathed. ~ nakedly adv. Nakedness n. [old english]

Naked eye  n. (prec. By the) unassisted vision, e.g. Without a telescope etc.

Namby-pamby  —adj. Insipidly pretty or sentimental; weak. —n. (pl. -ies) namby-pamby person. [fanciful formulation on the name of the writer ambrose philips]

Name  —n. 1 word by which an individual person, family, animal, place, or thing is spoken of etc. 2 a (usu. Abusive) term used of a person etc. (called him names). B word denoting an object or esp. A class of objects etc. (what is the name of those flowers?). 3 famous person. 4 reputation, esp. A good one. —v. (-ming) 1 give a name to. 2 state the name of. 3 mention; specify; cite. 4 nominate. ~ have to one's name possess. In the name of as representing; by virtue of (in the name of the law). In name only not in reality. Make a name for oneself become famous. ~ nameable adj. [old english]

Name-day  n. Feast-day of the saint after whom a person is named.

Name-dropping  n. Familiar mention of famous people as a form of boasting.

Nameless  adj. 1 having or showing no name. 2 unnamed (our informant, who shall be nameless). 3 too horrific to be named (nameless vices).

Namely  adv. That is to say; in other words.

Name-plate  n. Plate or panel bearing the name of an occupant of a room etc.

Namesake  n. Person or thing having the same name as another. [probably from for the name's sake]

Nan  n. (also nana, nanna) colloq. Grandmother. [childish pronunciation]

Nancy  n. (pl. -ies) (in full nancy boy) slang offens. Effeminate man, esp. A homosexual. [pet form of ann]

Nanny  n. (pl. -ies) 1 child's nurse. 2 colloq. Grandmother. 3 (in full nanny-goat) female goat. [related to +nancy]

Nano-  comb. Form denoting a factor of 10-9 (nanosecond). [greek nanos dwarf]

Nap1  —v. (-pp-) sleep lightly or briefly. —n. Short sleep or doze, esp. By day. ~ catch a person napping detect in negligence etc; catch off guard. [old english]

Nap2  n. Raised pile on textiles, esp. Velvet. [low german or dutch]

Nap3  —n. 1 form of whist in which players declare the number of tricks they expect to take. 2 racing tip claimed to be almost a certainty. —v. (-pp-) name (a horse etc.) As a probable winner. ~ go nap 1 attempt to take all five tricks in nap.

Napalm  —n. Thick jellied hydrocarbon mixture used in bombs. —v. Attack with napalm bombs. [from +naphthalene, +palm1]

Nape  n. Back of the neck. [origin unknown]

Naphtha  n. Inflammable hydrocarbon distilled from coal etc. [latin from greek]

Naphthalene  n. White crystalline substance produced by distilling coal tar.

Napkin  n. 1 piece of linen etc. For wiping the lips, fingers, etc. At meals. 2 baby's nappy. [french nappe from latin mappa +map]

Nappy  n. (pl. -ies) piece of towelling etc. Wrapped round a baby to absorb or retain urine and faeces. [from +napkin]

Narcissism  n. Excessive or erotic interest in oneself. ~ narcissistic adj. [narkissos, name of a youth in greek myth who fell in love with his reflection]

Narcissus  n. (pl. -cissi) any of several flowering bulbs, including the daffodil. [latin from greek]

Narcosis  n. 1 state of insensibility. 2 induction of this. [greek narke numbness]

Narcotic  —adj. 1 (of a substance) inducing drowsiness etc. 2 (of a drug) affecting the mind. —n. Narcotic substance, drug, or influence. [greek narkotikos]

Nark  slang —n. Police informer or decoy. —v. Annoy. [romany nak nose]

Narrate  v. (-ting) 1 give a continuous story or account of. 2 provide a spoken accompaniment for (a film etc.). ~ narration n. Narrator n. [latin narro]

Narrative  —n. Ordered account of connected events. —adj. Of or by narration.

Narrow  —adj. (-er, -est) 1 a of small width. B confined or confining (within narrow bounds). 2 of limited scope (in the narrowest sense). 3 with little margin (narrow escape). 4 precise; exact. 5 = +narrow-minded. —n. (usu. In pl.) Narrow part of a strait, river, pass, street, etc. —v. Become or make narrow; contract; lessen. ~ narrowly adv. Narrowness n. [old english]

Narrow boat  n. Canal boat.

Narrow-minded  adj. Rigid or restricted in one's views, intolerant. ~ narrow-mindedness n.

Narwhal  n. Arctic white whale, the male of which has a long tusk. [dutch from danish]

Nasa  abbr. (in the us) national aeronautics and space administration.

Nasal  —adj. 1 of the nose. 2 (of a letter or a sound) pronounced with the breath passing through the nose, e.g. M, n, ng. 3 (of the voice or speech) having many nasal sounds. —n. Nasal letter or sound. ~ nasalize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing). Nasally adv. [latin nasus nose]

Nascent  adj. 1 in the act of being born. 2 just beginning to be; not yet mature. ~ nascency n. [latin: related to +natal]

Nasturtium  n. Trailing plant with edible leaves and bright orange, yellow, or red flowers. [latin]

Nasty  —adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 highly unpleasant. 2 difficult to negotiate. 3 (of a person or animal) ill-natured. —n. (pl. -ies) colloq. Horror film, esp. One on video and depicting cruelty or killing. ~ nastily adv. Nastiness n. [origin unknown]

Nasty piece of work  n. Colloq. Unpleasant or contemptible person.

Nat.  Abbr. 1 national. 2 nationalist. 3 natural.

Natal  adj. Of or from one's birth. [latin natalis from nascor nat- be born]

Nation  n. Community of people of mainly common descent, history, language, etc., forming a state or inhabiting a territory. [latin: related to +natal]

National  —adj. 1 of a, or the, nation. 2 characteristic of a particular nation. —n. 1 citizen of a specified country. 2 fellow-countryman. 3 (the national) = +grand national. ~ nationally adv.

National anthem  n. Song adopted by a nation, intended to inspire patriotism.

National curriculum  n. Common programme of study for pupils in the maintained schools of england and wales, with tests at specified ages.

National debt  n. Money owed by a state because of loans to it.

National front  n. Uk political party with extreme reactionary views on immigration etc.

National grid  n. 1 network of high-voltage electric power lines between major power stations. 2 metric system of geographical coordinates used in maps of the british isles.

National health  n. (also national health service) system of national medical care paid for mainly by taxation.

National insurance  n. System of compulsory payments by employed persons (supplemented by employers) to provide state assistance in sickness etc.

Nationalism  n. 1 patriotic feeling, principles, etc. 2 policy of national independence. ~ nationalist n. & adj. Nationalistic adj.

Nationality  n. (pl. -ies) 1 status of belonging to a particular nation (has british nationality). 2 condition of being national; distinctive national qualities. 3 ethnic group forming a part of one or more political nations.

Nationalize  v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 take (railways, industry, land, etc.) Into state ownership. 2 make national. ~ nationalization n.

National park  n. Area of natural beauty protected by the state for the use of the public.

National service  n. Hist. Conscripted peacetime military service.

Nationwide  adj. & adv. Extending over the whole nation.

Native  —n. 1 a (usu. Foll. By of) person born in a specified place. B local inhabitant. 2 often offens. Member of a non-white indigenous people, as regarded by colonial settlers. 3 (usu. Foll. By of) indigenous animal or plant. —adj. 1 inherent; innate. 2 of one's birth (native country). 3 (usu. Foll. By to) belonging to a specified place. 4 (esp. Of a non-european) indigenous; born in a place. 5 (of metal etc.) Found in a pure or uncombined state. [latin: related to +natal]

Nativity  n. (pl. -ies) 1 (esp. The nativity) a christ's birth. B festival of christ's birth. 2 birth. [latin: related to +native]

Nato  abbr. (also nato) north atlantic treaty organization.

Natter  colloq. —v. Chatter idly. —n. Aimless chatter. [imitative, originally dial.]

Natterjack  n. A kind of small toad. [perhaps from +natter]

Natty  adj. (-ier, -iest) colloq. Trim; smart. ~ nattily adv. [cf. +neat]

Natural  —adj. 1 a existing in or caused by nature (natural landscape). B uncultivated (in its natural state). 2 in the course of nature (died of natural causes). 3 not surprising; to be expected (natural for her to be upset). 4 unaffected, spontaneous. 5 innate (natural talent for music). 6 not disguised or altered (as by make-up etc.). 7 likely or suited by its or their nature to be such (natural enemies; natural leader). 8 physically existing (the natural world). 9 illegitimate. 10 mus. (of a note) not sharpened or flattened (b natural). —n. 1 colloq. (usu. Foll. By for) person or thing naturally suitable, adept, etc. 2 mus. A sign denoting a return to natural pitch. B natural note. ~ naturalness n. [latin: related to +nature]

Natural gas  n. Gas found in the earth's crust, not manufactured.

Natural history  n. The study of animals or plants.

Naturalism  n. 1 theory or practice in art and literature of realistic representation. 2 a theory of the world that excludes the supernatural or spiritual. B moral or religious system based on this. ~ naturalistic adj.

Naturalist  n. 1 person who studies natural history. 2 adherent of naturalism.

Naturalize  v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 admit (a foreigner) to citizenship. 2 successfully introduce (an animal, plant, etc.) Into another region. 3 adopt (a foreign word, custom, etc.). ~ naturalization n.

Natural law  n. 1 unchanging moral principles common to all human beings. 2 correct statement of an invariable sequence between specified conditions and a specified phenomenon.

Naturally  adv. 1 in a natural manner. 2 (qualifying a whole sentence) as might be expected; of course.

Natural number  n. Whole number greater than 0.

Natural resources  n.pl. Materials or conditions occurring in nature and capable of economic exploitation.

Natural science  n. 1 the study of the natural or physical world. 2 (in pl.) Sciences used for this.

Natural selection  n. Darwinian theory of the survival and propagation of organisms best adapted to their environment.

Nature  n. 1 thing's or person's innate or essential qualities or character. 2 (often nature) a physical power causing all material phenomena. B these phenomena. 3 kind or class (things of this nature). 4 inherent impulses determining character or action. ~ by nature innately. In (or by) the nature of things 1 inevitable. 2 inevitably. [latin natura: related to +natal]

Natured  adj. (in comb.) Having a specified disposition (good-natured).

Nature reserve  n. Tract of land managed so as to preserve its flora, fauna, physical features, etc.

Nature trail  n. Signposted path through the countryside designed to draw attention to natural phenomena.

Naturism  n. Nudism. ~ naturist n.

Naught  archaic or literary —n. Nothing, nought. —adj. (usu. Predic.) Worthless; useless. ~ come to naught come to nothing, fail. Set at naught despise. [old english: related to +no2, +wight]

Naughty  adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 (esp. Of children) disobedient; badly behaved. 2 colloq. Joc. Indecent. ~ naughtily adv. Naughtiness n. [from +naught]

Nausea  n. 1 inclination to vomit. 2 revulsion. [greek naus ship]

Nauseate  v. (-ting) affect with nausea. ~ nauseating adj. Nauseatingly adv.

Nauseous  adj. 1 causing nausea. 2 inclined to vomit (feel nauseous). 3 disgusting; loathsome.

Nautical  adj. Of sailors or navigation. [greek nautes sailor]

Nautical mile  n. Unit of approx. 2,025 yards (1,852 metres).

Nautilus  n. (pl. Nautiluses or nautili) cephalopod mollusc with a spiral shell, esp. (pearly nautilus) one having a chambered shell. [greek nautilos: related to +nautical]

Naval  adj. 1 of the or a navy. 2 of ships. [latin navis ship]

Nave1  n. Central part of a church, usu. From the west door to the chancel excluding the side aisles. [latin navis ship]

Nave2  n. Hub of a wheel. [old english]

Navel  n. Depression in the centre of the belly marking the site of attachment of the umbilical cord. [old english]

Navel orange  n. Orange with a navel-like formation at the top.

Navigable  adj. 1 (of a river etc.) Suitable for ships to pass through. 2 seaworthy. 3 steerable. ~ navigability n. [latin: related to +navigate]

Navigate  v. (-ting) 1 manage or direct the course of (a ship or aircraft) using maps and instruments. 2 a sail on (a sea, river, etc.). B fly through (the air). 3 (in a car etc.) Assist the driver by map-reading etc. 4 sail a ship; sail in a ship. ~ navigator n. [latin navigo from navis]

Navigation  n. 1 act or process of navigating. 2 art or science of navigating. ~ navigational adj.

Navvy  —n. (pl. -ies) labourer employed in building or excavating roads, canals, etc. —v. (-ies, -ied) work as a navvy. [abbreviation of navigator]

Navy  n. (pl. -ies) 1 (often the navy) a whole body of a state's ships of war, including crews, maintenance systems, etc. B officers and men of a navy. 2 (in full navy blue) dark-blue colour as of naval uniforms. 3 poet. Fleet of ships. [romanic navia ship: related to +naval]

Nay  —adv. 1 or rather; and even; and more than that (large, nay, huge). 2 archaic = +no2 adv. 1. —n. Utterance of ‘nay’; ‘no’ vote. [old norse, = not ever]

Nazarene  —n. 1 a (prec. By the) christ. B (esp. In jewish or muslim use) christian. 2 native or inhabitant of nazareth. —adj. Of nazareth. [latin from greek]

Nazi  —n. (pl. -s) hist. Member of the german national socialist party. —adj. Of the nazis or nazism. ~ nazism n. [representing pronunciation of nati- in german nationalsozialist]

Nb  abbr. Note well. [latin nota bene]

Nb  symb. Niobium.

Ncb  abbr. Hist. National coal board.

Usage  since 1987 the official name has been british coal.

Nco  abbr. Non-commissioned officer.

Ncp  abbr. National car parks.

Nd  symb. Neodymium.

Ne  abbr. 1 north-east. 2 north-eastern.

Ne  symb. Neon.

Neanderthal  adj. Of the type of human widely distributed in palaeolithic europe, with a retreating forehead and massive brow-ridges. [region in w. Germany]

Neap  n. (in full neap tide) tide at the times of the month when there is least difference between high and low water. [old english]

Neapolitan  —n. Native or citizen of naples. —adj. Of naples. [greek neapolis naples]

Near  —adv. 1 (often foll. By to) to or at a short distance in space or time. 2 closely (as near as one can guess). —prep. 1 to or at a short distance from (in space, time, condition, or resemblance). 2 (in comb.) Almost (near-hysterical). —adj. 1 close (to), not far (in place or time) (my flat's very near; the man nearest you; in the near future). 2 a closely related. B intimate. 3 (of a part of a vehicle, animal, or road) on the left side. 4 close; narrow (near escape). 5 similar (to) (is nearer the original). 6 colloq. Niggardly. —v. Approach; draw near to. ~ come (or go) near (foll. By verbal noun, or to + verbal noun) be on the point of, almost succeed in. Near at hand within easy reach. Near the knuckle colloq. Verging on the indecent. ~ nearish adj. Nearness n. [old norse, originally = nigher: related to +nigh]

Nearby  —adj. Near in position. —adv. Close; not far away.

Near east  n. (prec. By the) region comprising the countries of the eastern mediterranean. ~ near eastern adj.

Nearly  adv. 1 almost. 2 closely. ~ not nearly nothing like.

Near miss  n. 1 bomb etc. Falling close to the target. 2 narrowly avoided collision. 3 not quite successful attempt.

Nearside  n. (often attrib.) Left side of a vehicle, animal, etc.

Near-sighted  adj. = +short-sighted.

Near thing  n. Narrow escape.

Neat  adj. 1 tidy and methodical. 2 elegantly simple. 3 brief, clear, and pointed. 4 a cleverly executed. B dexterous. 5 (of esp. Alcoholic liquor) undiluted. ~ neatly adv. Neatness n. [french net from latin nitidus shining]

Neaten  v. Make neat.

Neath  prep. Poet. Beneath. [from +beneath]

Nebula  n. (pl. Nebulae) cloud of gas and dust seen in the night sky, sometimes glowing and sometimes appearing as a dark silhouette.  ~ nebular adj. [latin, = mist]

Nebulous  adj. 1 cloudlike. 2 indistinct, vague. [latin: related to +nebula]

Nec  abbr. National executive committee.

Necessary  —adj. 1 requiring to be done; requisite, essential. 2 determined, existing, or happening by natural laws etc., not by free will; inevitable. —n. (pl. -ies) (usu. In pl.) Any of the basic requirements of life. ~ the necessary colloq. 1 money. 2 an action etc. Needed for a purpose. ~ necessarily adv. [latin necesse needful]

Necessitarian  —n. Person who holds that all action is predetermined and free will is impossible. —adj. Of such a person or theory. ~ necessitarianism n.

Necessitate  v. (-ting) make necessary (esp. As a result) (will necessitate some sacrifice).

Necessitous  adj. Poor; needy.

Necessity  n. (pl. -ies) 1 indispensable thing. 2 pressure of circumstances. 3 imperative need. 4 want; poverty. 5 constraint or compulsion regarded as a natural law governing all human action. ~ of necessity unavoidably.

Neck  —n. 1 a part of the body connecting the head to the shoulders. B part of a garment round the neck. 2 something resembling a neck; narrow part of a cavity, vessel, or object such as a bottle or violin. 3 length of a horse's head and neck as a measure of its lead in a race. 4 flesh of an animal's neck as food. 5 slang impudence. —v. Colloq. Kiss and caress amorously. ~ get it in the neck colloq. 1 be severely reprimanded or punished. 2 suffer a severe blow. Up to one's neck (often foll. By in) colloq. Very deeply involved; very busy. [old english]

Neck and neck  adj. & adv. (running) level in a race etc.

Neckband  n. Strip of material round the neck of a garment.

Neckerchief  n. Square of cloth worn round the neck. [from +kerchief]

Necklace  n. 1 chain or string of beads, precious stones, etc., worn round the neck. 2 s.afr. Tyre soaked or filled with petrol, placed round a victim's neck, and set alight.

Neckline  n. Edge or shape of a garment-opening at the neck.

Necktie  n. Esp. Us = +tie n. 2.

Necro-  comb. Form corpse. [greek nekros corpse]

Necromancy  n. 1 divination by supposed communication with the dead. 2 magic. ~ necromancer n. [from +necro-, mantis seer]

Necrophilia  n. Morbid and esp. Sexual attraction to corpses.

Necropolis  n. Ancient cemetery or burial place. [greek: related to +necro-, polis city]

Necrosis  n. Death of tissue. ~ necrotic adj. [greek nekroo kill]

Nectar  n. 1 sugary substance produced by plants and made into honey by bees. 2 (in greek and roman mythology) the drink of the gods. 3 drink compared to this. ~ nectarous adj. [latin from greek]

Nectarine  n. Smooth-skinned variety of peach. [from +nectar]

Nedc  abbr. National economic development council.

Neddy  n. (pl. -ies) colloq. 1 donkey. 2 (neddy) = +nedc. [pet form of edward]

Nee  adj. (brit. Née) (used in adding a married woman's maiden name after her surname) born (mrs ann hall, née brown). [french, feminine past part. Of naître be born]

Née  adj. (us nee) (used in adding a married woman's maiden name after her surname) born (mrs ann hall, née brown). [french, feminine past part. Of naître be born]

Need  —v. 1 stand in want of; require. 2 (foll. By to + infin.; 3rd sing. Present neg. Or interrog. Need without to) be under the necessity or obligation (needs to be done well; he need not come; need you ask?). —n. 1 requirement (my needs are few). 2 circumstances requiring some course of action (no need to worry; if need be).

Needful  adj. Requisite. ~ needfully adv.

Needle  —n. 1 a very thin pointed rod of smooth steel etc. With a slit (‘eye’) for thread at the blunt end, used in sewing. B larger plastic, wooden, etc. Slender rod without an eye, used in knitting etc. 2 pointer on a dial. 3 any of several small thin pointed instruments, esp.: a the end of a hypodermic syringe. B = +stylus 1. 4 a obelisk (cleopatra's needle). B pointed rock or peak. 5 leaf of a fir or pine tree. 6 (the needle) slang fit of bad temper or nervousness. —v. (-ling) colloq. Irritate; provoke. [old english]

Needlecord  n. Fine-ribbed corduroy fabric.

Needle-point  n. 1 lace made with needles, not bobbins. 2 = +gros point or +petit point.

Needless  adj. 1 unnecessary. 2 uncalled for. ~ needlessly adv.

Needlewoman  n. 1 seamstress. 2 woman or girl with specified sewing skill.

Needlework  n. Sewing or embroidery.

Needs  adv. Archaic (usu. Prec. Or foll. By must) of necessity.

Needy  adj. (-ier, -iest) poor; destitute. ~ neediness n.

Ne'er  adv. Poet. = +never. [contraction]

Ne'er-do-well  —n. Good-for-nothing person. —adj. Good-for-nothing.

Nefarious  adj. Wicked. [latin nefas wrong n.]

Neg.  Abbr. Esp. Photog. Negative.

Negate  v. (-ting) 1 nullify. 2 assert or imply the non-existence of. [latin nego deny]

Negation  n. 1 absence or opposite of something actual or positive. 2 act of denying. 3 negative statement. 4 negative or unreal thing.

Negative  —adj. 1 expressing or implying denial, prohibition, or refusal (negative answer). 2 (of a person or attitude) lacking positive attributes. 3 marked by the absence of qualities (negative reaction). 4 of the opposite nature to a thing regarded as positive. 5 (of a quantity) less than zero, to be subtracted from others or from zero. 6 electr. A of the kind of charge carried by electrons. B containing or producing such a charge. —n. 1 negative statement or word. 2 photog. A image with black and white reversed or colours replaced by complementary ones, from which positive pictures are obtained. B developed film or plate bearing such an image. —v. (-ving) 1 refuse to accept or countenance; veto. 2 disprove. 3 contradict (a statement). 4 neutralize (an effect). ~ in the negative with negative effect. ~ negatively adv. Negativity n.

Negativism  n. Negative attitude; extreme scepticism.

Neglect  —v. 1 fail to care for or to do; be remiss about. 2 (foll. By to + infin.) Fail; overlook the need to. 3 not pay attention to; disregard. —n. 1 negligence. 2 neglecting or being neglected. 3 (usu. Foll. By of) disregard. ~ neglectful adj. Neglectfully adv. [latin neglego neglect-]

Negligée  n. (also negligee, négligé) woman's flimsy dressing-gown. [french, past part. Of négliger +neglect]

Negligence  n. 1 lack of proper care and attention. 2 culpable carelessness. ~ negligent adj. Negligently adv. [latin: related to +neglect]

Negligible  adj. Not worth considering; insignificant. ~ negligibly adv. [french: related to +neglect]

Negotiable  adj. 1 open to discussion. 2 able to be negotiated.

Negotiate  v. (-ting) 1 (usu. Foll. By with) confer in order to reach an agreement. 2 arrange (an affair) or bring about (a result) by negotiating. 3 find a way over, through, etc. (an obstacle, difficulty, etc.). 4 convert (a cheque etc.) Into money. ~ negotiation n. Negotiator n. [latin negotium business]

Negress  n. Female negro.

Usage  the term negress is often considered offensive; black is usually preferred.

Negritude  n. 1 state of being black. 2 affirmation of black culture. [french]

Negro  —n. (pl. -es) member of a dark-skinned race orig. Native to africa. —adj. 1 of negroes. 2 (as negro) zool. Black or dark. [latin niger nigri black]

Usage  the term negro is often considered offensive; black is usually preferred.

Negroid  —adj. (of physical features etc.) Characteristic of black people. —n. Black.

Neigh  —n. Cry of a horse. —v. Make a neigh. [old english]

Neighbor  (brit. Neighbour) —n. 1 person living next door to or near or nearest another. 2 fellow human being. 3 person or thing near or next to another. —v. Border on; adjoin. [old english: related to +nigh, +boor]

Neighborhood  n. (brit. Neighbourhood) 1 district; vicinity. 2 people of a district. ~ in the neighbourhood of roughly; about.

Neighborly  adj. (brit. Neighbourly) like a good neighbour; friendly; kind. ~ neighbourliness n.

Neighbour  (us neighbor) —n. 1 person living next door to or near or nearest another. 2 fellow human being. 3 person or thing near or next to another. —v. Border on; adjoin. [old english: related to +nigh, +boor]

Neighbourhood  n. (us neighborhood) 1 district; vicinity. 2 people of a district. ~ in the neighbourhood of roughly; about.

Neighbourhood watch  n. Organized local vigilance by householders to discourage crime.

Neighbourly  adj. (us neighborly) like a good neighbour; friendly; kind. ~ neighbourliness n.

Neither  —adj. & pron. (foll. By sing. Verb) not the one nor the other (of two things); not either (neither of the accusations is true; neither of them knows; neither wish was granted; neither went to the fair). —adv. 1 not either; not on the one hand (foll. By nor; introducing the first of two or more things in the negative: neither knowing nor caring; neither the teachers nor the parents nor the children). 2 also not (if you do not, neither shall i). —conj. Archaic nor yet; nor (i know not, neither can i guess). [old english: related to +no2, +whether]

Nelson  n. Wrestling-hold in which one arm is passed under the opponent's arm from behind and the hand is applied to the neck (half nelson), or both arms and hands are applied (full nelson). [apparently from the name nelson]

Nematode  n. Worm with a slender unsegmented cylindrical shape. [greek nema thread]

Nem. Con.  Abbr. With no one dissenting. [latin nemine contradicente]

Nemesis  n. (pl. Nemeses) 1 retributive justice. 2 downfall caused by this. [greek, = retribution]

Neo-  comb. Form 1 new, modern. 2 new form of. [greek neos new]

Neoclassicism  n. Revival of classical style or treatment in the arts. ~ neoclassical adj.

Neodymium  n. Metallic element of the lanthanide series. [from +neo-, greek didumos twin]

Neolithic  adj. Of the later part of the stone age. [greek lithos stone]

Neologism  n. 1 new word. 2 coining of new words. [greek logos word]

Neon  n. Inert gaseous element giving an orange glow when electricity is passed through it. [greek, = new]

Neophyte  n. 1 new convert. 2 rc ch. Novice of a religious order. 3 beginner. [greek phuton plant]

Nephew  n. Son of one's brother or sister or of one's spouse's brother or sister. [latin nepos]

Nephritic  adj. 1 of or in the kidneys. 2 of nephritis. [greek nephros kidney]

Nephritis  n. Inflammation of the kidneys.

Ne plus ultra  n. 1 furthest attainable point. 2 acme, perfection. [latin, = not further beyond]

Nepotism  n. Favouritism shown to relatives in conferring offices. [italian nepote nephew]

Neptunium  n. Transuranic metallic element produced when uranium atoms absorb bombarding neutrons. [neptune, name of a planet]

Nerd  n. (also nurd) esp. Us slang foolish, feeble, or uninteresting person. [origin uncertain]

Nereid  n. Sea-nymph. [latin from greek]

Nerve  —n. 1 a fibre or bundle of fibres that transmits impulses of sensation or motion between the brain or spinal cord and other parts of the body. B material constituting these. 2 a coolness in danger; bravery. B colloq. Impudence. 3 (in pl.) Nervousness; mental or physical stress. —v. (-ving) 1 (usu. Refl.) Brace (oneself) to face danger etc. 2 give strength, vigour, or courage to. ~ get on a person's nerves irritate a person. [latin nervus sinew, bowstring]

Nerve-cell  n. Cell transmitting impulses in nerve tissue.

Nerve-centre  n. 1 group of closely connected nerve-cells. 2 centre of control.

Nerve gas  n. Poisonous gas affecting the nervous system.

Nerveless  adj. 1 lacking vigour. 2 (of style) diffuse.

Nerve-racking  adj. Causing mental strain.

Nervous  adj. 1 easily upset, timid, highly strung. 2 anxious. 3 affecting the nerves. 4 (foll. By of + verbal noun) afraid (am nervous of meeting them). ~ nervously adv. Nervousness n.

Nervous breakdown  n. Period of mental illness, usu. Resulting from severe stress.

Nervous system  n. Body's network of nerve cells.

Nervy  adj. (-ier, -iest) colloq. Nervous; easily excited.

Nescient  adj. Literary (foll. By of) lacking knowledge. ~ nescience n. [latin ne- not, scio know]

-ness  suffix forming nouns from adjectives, expressing: 1 state or condition, or an instance of this (happiness; a kindness). 2 something in a certain state (wilderness). [old english]

Nest  —n. 1 structure or place where a bird lays eggs and shelters its young. 2 any creature's breeding-place or lair. 3 snug retreat or shelter. 4 brood or swarm. 5 group or set of similar objects, often of different sizes and fitting one inside the other (nest of tables). —v. 1 use or build a nest. 2 take wild birds' nests or eggs. 3 (of objects) fit together or one inside another. [old english]

Nest egg  n. Sum of money saved for the future.

Nestle  v. (-ling) 1 (often foll. By down, in, etc.) Settle oneself comfortably. 2 press oneself against another in affection etc. 3 (foll. By in, into, etc.) Push (a head or shoulder etc.) Affectionately or snugly. 4 lie half hidden or embedded. [old english]

Nestling  n. Bird too young to leave its nest.

Net1  —n. 1 open-meshed fabric of cord, rope, etc. 2 piece of net used esp. To restrain, contain, or delimit, or to catch fish etc. 3 structure with a net used in various games. —v. (-tt-) 1 a cover, confine, or catch with a net. B procure as with a net. 2  hit (a ball) into the net, esp. Of a goal. [old english]

Net2  (also nett) —adj. 1 (esp. Of money) remaining after all necessary deductions. 2 (of a price) not reducible. 3 (of a weight) excluding that of the packaging etc. 4 (of an effect, result, etc.) Ultimate, actual. —v. (-tt-) gain or yield (a sum) as net profit. [french: related to +neat]

Netball  n. Team game in which goals are scored by throwing a ball through a high horizontal ring from which a net hangs.

Nether  adj. Archaic = +lower1. [old english]

Nether regions  n.pl. (also nether world) hell; the underworld.

Net profit  n. Actual gain after working expenses have been paid.

Nett  var. Of +net2.

Netting  n. 1 netted fabric. 2 piece of this.

Nettle  —n. 1 plant with jagged leaves covered with stinging hairs. 2 plant resembling this. —v. (-ling) irritate, provoke. [old english]

Nettle-rash  n. Skin eruption like nettle stings.

Network  —n. 1 arrangement of intersecting horizontal and vertical lines. 2 complex system of railways etc. 3 people connected by the exchange of information etc., professionally or socially. 4 system of connected electrical conductors. 5 group of broadcasting stations connected for the simultaneous broadcast of a programme. 6 chain of interconnected computers. —v. Broadcast on a network.

Neural  adj. Of a nerve or the central nervous system. [greek neuron nerve]

Neuralgia  n. Intense pain along a nerve, esp. In the head or face. ~ neuralgic adj.

Neuritis  n. Inflammation of a nerve or nerves.

Neuro-  comb. Form nerve or nerves. [greek neuron nerve]

Neurology  n. The study of nerve systems. ~ neurological adj. Neurologist n.

Neuron  n. (also neurone) nerve-cell.

Neurosis  n. (pl. Neuroses) irrational or disturbed behaviour pattern, associated with nervous distress.

Neurosurgery  n. Surgery on the nervous system, esp. The brain or spinal cord. ~ neurosurgeon n. Neurosurgical adj.

Neurotic  —adj. 1 caused by or relating to neurosis. 2 suffering from neurosis. 3 colloq. Abnormally sensitive or obsessive. —n. Neurotic person. ~ neurotically adv.

Neuter  —adj. 1 neither masculine nor feminine. 2 (of a plant) having neither pistils nor stamen. 3 (of an insect) sexually undeveloped. —n. 1 neuter gender or word. 2 a non-fertile insect, esp. A worker bee or ant. B castrated animal. —v. Castrate or spay. [latin]

Neutral  —adj. 1 not supporting either of two opposing sides, impartial. 2 belonging to a neutral state etc. (neutral ships). 3 indistinct, vague, indeterminate. 4 (of a gear) in which the engine is disconnected from the driven parts. 5 (of colours) not strong or positive; grey or beige. 6 chem. Neither acid nor alkaline. 7 electr. Neither positive nor negative. 8 biol. Sexually undeveloped; asexual. —n. 1 a neutral state or person. B citizen of a neutral state. 2 neutral gear. ~ neutrality n. [latin neutralis of neuter gender]

Neutralize  v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 make neutral. 2 make ineffective by an opposite force or effect. 3 exempt or exclude (a place) from the sphere of hostilities. ~ neutralization n.

Neutrino  n. (pl. -s) elementary particle with zero electric charge and probably zero mass. [italian, diminutive of neutro neutral: related to +neuter]

Neutron  n. Elementary particle of about the same mass as a proton but without an electric charge. [from +neutral]

Neutron bomb  n. Bomb producing neutrons and little blast, destroying life but not property.

Never  adv. 1 a at no time; on no occasion; not ever. B colloq. As an emphatic negative (i never heard you come in). 2 not at all (never fear). 3 colloq. (expressing surprise) surely not (you never left the door open!). ~ well i never! Expressing great surprise. [old english, = not ever]

Nevermore  adv. At no future time.

Never-never  n. (often prec. By the) colloq. Hire purchase.

Nevertheless  adv. In spite of that; notwithstanding.

Nevus  n. (brit. Naevus) (pl. Naevi) 1 raised red birthmark. 2 = +mole2. [latin]

New  —adj. 1 a of recent origin or arrival. B made, discovered, acquired, or experienced recently or now for the first time. 2 in original condition; not worn or used. 3 a renewed; reformed (new life; the new order). B reinvigorated (felt like a new person). 4 different from a recent previous one (has a new job). 5 (often foll. By to) unfamiliar or strange (all new to me). 6 (usu. Prec. By the) often derog. A later, modern. B newfangled. C given to new or modern ideas. D recently affected by social change (the new rich). 7 (often prec. By the) advanced in method or theory. 8 (in place-names) discovered or founded later than and named after (new york). —adv. (usu. In comb.) Newly, recently (new-found; new-baked). ~ newish adj. Newness n. [old english]

New age  n. Set of beliefs replacing traditional western culture, with alternative approaches to religion, medicine, the environment, etc.

New arrival  n. Colloq. Newborn child.

Newborn  adj. Recently born.

New broom  n. New employee etc. Eager to make changes.

Newcomer  n. 1 person who has recently arrived. 2 beginner in some activity.

Newel  n. 1 supporting central post of winding stairs. 2 (also newel post) top or bottom supporting post of a stair-rail. [latin nodus knot]

Newfangled  adj. Derog. Different from what one is used to; objectionably new. [= new taken]

Newly  adv. 1 recently. 2 afresh, anew.

Newly-wed  n. Recently married person.

New mathematics  n.pl. (also new maths) (also treated as sing.) System of elementary maths teaching with an emphasis on investigation and set theory.

New moon  n. 1 moon when first seen as a crescent after conjunction with the sun. 2 time of its appearance.

New potatoes  n.pl. Earliest potatoes of a new crop.

News  n.pl. (usu. Treated as sing.) 1 information about important or interesting recent events, esp. When published or broadcast. 2 (prec. By the) broadcast report of news. 3 newly received or noteworthy information. [from +new]

Newsagent  n. Seller of or shop selling newspapers etc.

Newscast  n. Radio or television broadcast of news reports.

Newscaster  n. = +newsreader.

News conference  n. Press conference.

Newsflash  n. Single item of important news, broadcast urgently and often interrupting other programmes.

Newsletter  n. Informal printed report issued periodically to members of a club etc.

Newspaper  n. 1 printed publication of loose folded sheets containing news, advertisements, correspondence, etc. 2 paper forming this (wrapped in newspaper).

Newspeak  n. Ambiguous euphemistic language used esp. In political propaganda. [an artificial official language in orwell's nineteen eighty-four]

Newsprint  n. Low-quality paper on which newspapers are printed.

Newsreader  n. Person who reads out broadcast news bulletins.

Newsreel  n. Short cinema film of recent events.

News room  n. Room in a newspaper or broadcasting office where news is processed.

News-sheet  n. Simple form of newspaper; newsletter.

News-stand  n. Stall for the sale of newspapers.

New star  n. Nova.

New style  n. Dating reckoned by the gregorian calendar.

News-vendor  n. Newspaper-seller.

Newsworthy  adj. Topical; noteworthy as news.

Newsy  adj. (-ier, -iest) colloq. Full of news.

Newt  n. Small amphibian with a well-developed tail. [ewt, with n from an: var. Of evet +eft]

New testament  n. Part of the bible concerned with the life and teachings of christ and his earliest followers.

Newton  n. Si unit of force that, acting on a mass of one kilogram, increases its velocity by one metre per second every second. [newton, name of a scientist]

New town  n. Town planned and built all at once with government funds.

New wave  n. A style of rock music.

New world  n. North and south america.

New year  n. Year just begun or about to begin; first few days of a year.

New year's day  n. 1 january.

New year's eve  n. 31 december.

Next  —adj. 1 (often foll. By to) being, positioned, or living nearest. 2 nearest in order of time; soonest encountered (next friday; ask the next person you see). —adv. 1 (often foll. By to) in the nearest place or degree (put it next to mine). 2 on the first or soonest occasion (when we next meet). —n. Next person or thing. —prep. Colloq. Next to. ~ next to almost (next to nothing left). [old english, superlative of +nigh]

Next-best  adj. The next in order of preference.

Next door  adj. & adv. (as adj. Often hyphenated) in the next house or room.

Next of kin  n.sing. & pl. Closest living relative(s).

Next world  n. (prec. By the) life after death.

Nexus  n. (pl. Same) connected group or series. [latin necto nex- bind]

Nhs  abbr. National health service.

Ni  abbr. 1 northern ireland. 2 national insurance.

Ni  symb. Nickel.

Niacin  n. = +nicotinic acid. [shortening]

Nib  n. 1 pen-point. 2 (in pl.) Shelled and crushed coffee or cocoa beans. [low german or dutch]

Nibble  —v. (-ling) 1 (foll. By at) a take small bites at. B take cautious interest in. 2 eat in small amounts. 3 bite at gently, cautiously, or playfully. —n. 1 act of nibbling. 2 very small amount of food. [low german or dutch]

Nibs  n. ~ his nibs joc. Colloq. Mock title used with reference to an important or self-important person. [origin unknown]

Nice  adj. 1 pleasant, satisfactory. 2 (of a person) kind, good-natured. 3 iron. Bad or awkward (nice mess). 4 fine or subtle (nice distinction). 5 fastidious; delicately sensitive. 6 (foll. By an adj., often with and) satisfactory in terms of the quality described (a nice long time; nice and warm). ~ nicely adv. Niceness n. Nicish adj. (also niceish). [originally = foolish, from latin nescius ignorant]

Nicety  n. (pl. -ies) 1 subtle distinction or detail. 2 precision. ~ to a nicety with exactness.

Niche  n. 1 shallow recess, esp. In a wall. 2 comfortable or apt position in life or employment. 3 position from which an entrepreneur exploits a gap in the market; profitable corner of the market. [latin nidus nest]

Nick  —n. 1 small cut or notch. 2 slang a prison. B police station. 3 colloq. Condition (in good nick). —v. 1 make a nick or nicks in. 2 slang a steal. B arrest, catch. ~ in the nick of time only just in time. [origin uncertain]

Nickel  n. 1 silver-white metallic element, used esp. In magnetic alloys. 2 colloq. Us five-cent coin. [german]

Nickel silver  n. = +german silver.

Nickel steel  n. Type of stainless steel with chromium and nickel.

Nicker  n. (pl. Same) slang pound sterling. [origin unknown]

Nick-nack  var. Of +knick-knack.

Nickname  —n. Familiar or humorous name given to a person or thing instead of or as well as the real name. —v. (-ming) 1 give a nickname to. 2 call by a nickname. [earlier eke-name, with n from an: eke = addition, from old english: related to +eke]

Nicotine  n. Poisonous alkaloid present in tobacco. [french from nicot, introducer of tobacco into france]

Nicotinic acid  n. Vitamin of the b complex.

Nictitate  v. (-ting) blink or wink. ~ nictitation n. [latin]

Nictitating membrane  n. Transparent third eyelid in amphibians, birds, and some other animals.

Niece  n. Daughter of one's brother or sister or of one's spouse's brother or sister. [latin neptis granddaughter]

Niff  n. & v. Colloq. Smell, stink. ~ niffy adj. (-ier, -iest). [originally a dial. Word]

Nifty  adj. (-ier, -iest) colloq. 1 clever, adroit. 2 smart, stylish. [origin uncertain]

Niggard  n. Stingy person. [probably of scandinavian origin]

Niggardly  adj. Stingy. ~ niggardliness n.

Nigger  n. Offens. Black or dark-skinned person. [spanish +negro]

Niggle  v. (-ling) 1 be over-attentive to details. 2 find fault in a petty way. 3 colloq. Irritate; nag pettily. ~ niggling adj. [origin unknown]

Nigh  adv., prep., & adj. Archaic or dial. Near. [old english]

Night  n. 1 period of darkness between one day and the next; time from sunset to sunrise. 2 nightfall. 3 darkness of night. 4 night or evening appointed for some activity regarded in a certain way (last night of the proms). [old english]

Nightbird  n. Person who is most active at night.

Nightcap  n. 1 hist. Cap worn in bed. 2 hot or alcoholic drink taken at bedtime.

Nightclub  n. Club providing refreshment and entertainment late at night.

Nightdress  n. Woman's or child's loose garment worn in bed.

Nightfall  n. End of daylight.

Nightgown  n. = +nightdress.

Nightie  n. Colloq. Nightdress.

Nightingale  n. Small reddish-brown bird, of which the male sings melodiously, esp. At night. [old english, = night-singer]

Nightjar  n. Nocturnal bird with a characteristic harsh cry.

Night-life  n. Entertainment available at night in a town.

Night-light  n. Dim light kept burning in a bedroom at night.

Night-long  adj. & adv. Throughout the night.

Nightly  —adj. 1 happening, done, or existing in the night. 2 recurring every night. —adv. Every night.

Nightmare  n. 1 frightening dream. 2 colloq. Frightening or unpleasant experience or situation. 3 haunting fear. ~ nightmarish adj. [evil spirit (incubus) once thought to lie on and suffocate sleepers: old english mære incubus]

Night safe  n. Safe with access from the outer wall of a bank for the deposit of money etc. When the bank is closed.

Night school  n. Institution providing classes in the evening.

Nightshade  n. Any of various plants with poisonous berries. [old english]

Nightshirt  n. Long shirt worn in bed.

Nightspot  n. Nightclub.

Night-time  n. Time of darkness.

Night-watchman  n. 1 person employed to keep watch at night. 2 cricket inferior batsman sent in near the close of a day's play.

Nihilism  n. 1 rejection of all religious and moral principles. 2 belief that nothing really exists. ~ nihilist n. Nihilistic adj. [latin nihil nothing]

-nik  suffix forming nouns denoting a person associated with a specified thing or quality (beatnik). [russian (as +sputnik) and yiddish]

Nikkei index  n. (also nikkei average) a figure indicating the relative price of representative shares on the tokyo stock exchange. [japanese]

Nil  n. Nothing; no number or amount (esp. As a score in games). [latin]

Nimble  adj. (-bler, -blest) quick and light in movement or function; agile. ~ nimbly adv. [old english, = quick to seize]

Nimbus  n. (pl. Nimbi or nimbuses) 1 halo. 2 rain-cloud. [latin, = cloud]

Nimby  —adj. Objecting to the siting of unpleasant developments in one's own locality. —n. (pl. -ies) person who so objects. [not in my back yard]

Nincompoop  n. Foolish person. [origin unknown]

Nine  adj. & n. 1 one more than eight. 2 symbol for this (9, ix, ix). 3 size etc. Denoted by nine. [old english]

Nine days' wonder  n. Person or thing that is briefly famous.

Ninefold  adj. & adv. 1 nine times as much or as many. 2 consisting of nine parts.

Ninepin  n. 1 (in pl.; usu. Treated as sing.) Game in which nine pins are bowled at. 2 pin used in this game.

Nineteen  adj. & n. 1 one more than eighteen. 2 symbol for this (19, xix, xix). 3 size etc. Denoted by nineteen. ~ talk nineteen to the dozen see +dozen. ~ nineteenth adj. & n. [old english]

Ninety  adj. & n. (pl. -ies) 1 product of nine and ten. 2 symbol for this (90, xc, xc). 3 (in pl.) Numbers from 90 to 99, esp. The years of a century or of a person's life. ~ ninetieth adj. & n. [old english]

Ninny  n. (pl. -ies) foolish person. [origin uncertain]

Ninth  adj. & n. 1 next after eighth. 2 any of nine equal parts of a thing. ~ ninthly adv.

Niobium  n.  Rare metallic element occurring naturally. [niobe in greek legend]

Nip  n. Slang offens. Japanese person. [abbreviation of nipponese from japanese nippon japan]

Nip1  —v. (-pp-) 1 pinch, squeeze, or bite sharply. 2 (often foll. By off) remove by pinching etc. 3 (of the cold etc.) Cause pain or harm to. 4 (foll. By in, out, etc.) Colloq. Go nimbly or quickly. —n. 1 a pinch, sharp squeeze. B bite. 2 biting cold. ~ nip in the bud suppress or destroy (esp. An idea) at an early stage. [low german or dutch]

Nip2  n.  Small quantity of spirits. [from nipperkin small measure]

Nipper  n. 1 person or thing that nips. 2 claw of a crab etc. 3 colloq. Young child. 4 (in pl.) Any tool for gripping or cutting.

Nipple  n. 1 small projection in which the mammary ducts of either sex of mammals terminate and from which in females milk is secreted for the young. 2 teat of a feeding-bottle. 3 device like a nipple in function. 4 nipple-like protuberance. [perhaps from neb tip]

Nippy  adj. (-ier, -iest) colloq. 1 quick, nimble. 2 chilly. [from +nip1]

Nirvana  n. (in buddhism) perfect bliss attained by the extinction of individuality. [sanskrit, = extinction]

Nissen hut  n. Tunnel-shaped hut of corrugated iron with a cement floor. [nissen, name of an engineer]

Nit  n. 1 egg or young form of a louse or other parasitic insect. 2 slang stupid person. [old english]

Niter  n. (brit. Nitre) saltpetre. [greek nitron]

Nit-picking  n. & adj. Colloq. Fault-finding in a petty manner.

Nitrate  —n. 1 any salt or ester of nitric acid. 2 potassium or sodium nitrate as a fertilizer. —v. (-ting) treat, combine, or impregnate with nitric acid. ~ nitration n. [french: related to +nitre]

Nitre  n. (us niter) saltpetre. [greek nitron]

Nitric  adj. Of or containing nitrogen.

Nitric acid  n. Colourless corrosive poisonous liquid.

Nitride  n. Binary compound of nitrogen. [from +nitre]

Nitrify  v. (-ies, -ied) 1 impregnate with nitrogen. 2 convert into nitrites or nitrates. ~ nitrification n. [french: related to +nitre]

Nitrite  n. Any salt or ester of nitrous acid. [from +nitre]

Nitro-  comb. Form of or containing nitric acid, nitre, or nitrogen. [greek: related to +nitre]

Nitrogen  n.  Gaseous element that forms four-fifths of the atmosphere. ~ nitrogenous adj. [french]

Nitroglycerin  n. (brit. Nitroglycerine) explosive yellow liquid made by reacting glycerol with a mixture of concentrated sulphuric and nitric acids.

Nitroglycerine  n. (us nitroglycerin) explosive yellow liquid made by reacting glycerol with a mixture of concentrated sulphuric and nitric acids.

Nitrous oxide  n. Colourless gas used as an anaesthetic. [latin: related to +nitre]

Nitty-gritty  n. Slang realities or practical details of a matter. [origin uncertain]

Nitwit  n. Colloq. Stupid person. [perhaps from +nit, +wit]

Nne  abbr. North-north-east.

Nnw  abbr. North-north-west.

No1  symb.  Nobelium.

No2  var. Of +noh.

No.  Abbr. Number. [latin numero, ablative of numerus number]

No1  adj. 1 not any (there is no excuse). 2 not a, quite other than (is no fool). 3 hardly any (did it in no time). 4 used elliptically in a notice etc., to forbid etc. The thing specified (no parking). ~ no way colloq. 1 it is impossible. 2 i will not agree etc. No wonder see +wonder. [related to +none]

No2  —adv. 1 indicating that the answer to the question is negative, the statement etc. Made or course of action intended or conclusion arrived at is not correct or satisfactory, the request or command will not be complied with, or the negative statement made is correct. 2 (foll. By compar.) By no amount; not at all (no better than before). —n. (pl. Noes) 1 utterance of the word no. 2 denial or refusal. 3 ‘no’ vote. ~ no longer not now or henceforth as formerly. Or no or not (pleasant or no, it is true). [old english]

Nob1  n. Slang person of wealth or high social position. [origin unknown]

Nob2  n. Slang head. [from +knob]

No-ball  n. Cricket unlawfully delivered ball.

Nobble  v. (-ling) slang 1 try to influence (e.g. A judge), esp. Unfairly. 2 tamper with (a racehorse) to prevent its winning. 3 steal. 4 seize, catch. [dial. Knobble beat]

Nobelium  n.  Artificially produced radioactive transuranic metallic element. [from nobel: see +nobel prize]

Nobel prize  n. Any of six international prizes awarded annually for physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, literature, economics, and the promotion of peace. [from nobel, swedish chemist and engineer, who endowed them]

Nobility  n. (pl. -ies) 1 nobleness of character, mind, birth, or rank. 2 class of nobles, highest social class.

Noble  —adj. (nobler, noblest) 1 belonging to the aristocracy. 2 of excellent character; magnanimous. 3 of imposing appearance. —n. Nobleman, noblewoman. ~ nobleness n. Nobly adv. [latin (g)nobilis]

Noble gas  n. Any of a group of gaseous elements that almost never combine with other elements.

Nobleman  n. Peer.

Noblesse oblige  n. Privilege entails responsibility. [french]

Noblewoman  n. Peeress.

Nobody  —pron. No person. —n. (pl. -ies) person of no importance.

No claim bonus  n. (also no claims bonus) reduction of an insurance premium after an agreed period without a claim.

Nocturnal  adj. Of or in the night; done or active by night.  [latin nox noct- night]

Nocturne  n. 1 mus. Short romantic composition, usu. For piano. 2 picture of a night scene. [french]

Nod  —v. (-dd-) 1 incline one's head slightly and briefly in assent, greeting, or command. 2 let one's head fall forward in drowsiness; be drowsy. 3 incline (one's head). 4 signify (assent etc.) By a nod. 5 (of flowers, plumes, etc.) Bend downwards and sway. 6 make a mistake due to a momentary lack of alertness or attention. —n. Nodding of the head. ~ nod off colloq. Fall asleep. [origin unknown]

Noddle  n. Colloq. Head. [origin unknown]

Noddy  n. (pl. -ies) 1 simpleton. 2 tropical sea bird. [origin unknown]

Node  n. 1  a part of a plant stem from which leaves emerge. B knob on a root or branch. 2  natural swelling. 3  either of two points at which a planet's orbit intersects the plane of the ecliptic or the celestial equator. 4  point of minimum disturbance in a standing wave system. 5 point at which a curve intersects itself. 6 component in a computer network. ~ nodal adj. [latin nodus knot]

Nodule  n. 1 small rounded lump of anything. 2 small tumour, node, or ganglion, or a swelling on the root of a legume containing bacteria etc. ~ nodular adj. [latin diminutive: related to +node]

Noel  n. Christmas. [latin: related to +natal]

Noggin  n. 1 small mug. 2 small measure, usu. 1/4 pint, of spirits. 3 slang head. [origin unknown]

No go  adj. (usu. Hyphenated when attrib.) Colloq. Impossible, hopeless; forbidden (tried to get him to agree, but it was clearly no go; no-go area).

Noh  n. (also no) traditional japanese drama. [japanese]

Noise  —n. 1 sound, esp. A loud or unpleasant one. 2 series or confusion of loud sounds. 3 irregular fluctuations accompanying a transmitted signal. 4 (in pl.) Conventional remarks, or speechlike sounds without actual words (made sympathetic noises). —v. (-sing) (usu. In passive) make public; spread abroad (a person's fame or a fact). [latin +nausea]

Noiseless  adj. Making little or no noise. ~ noiselessly adv.

Noisome  adj. Literary 1 harmful, noxious. 2 evil-smelling. [from +annoy]

Noisy  adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 making much noise. 2 full of noise. ~ noisily adv. Noisiness n.

Nomad  n. 1 member of a tribe roaming from place to place for pasture. 2 wanderer. ~ nomadic adj. [greek nomas nomad- from nemo to pasture]

No man's land  n. 1 space between two opposing armies. 2 area not assigned to any owner.

Nom de plume  n. (pl. Noms de plume pronunc. Same) writer's assumed name. [sham french, = pen-name]

Nomen  n. Ancient roman's second or family name, as in marcus tullius cicero. [latin, = name]

Nomenclature  n. 1 person's or community's system of names for things. 2 terminology of a science etc. [latin nomen name, calo call]

Nominal  adj. 1 existing in name only; not real or actual. 2 (of a sum of money etc.) Very small. 3 of or in names (nominal and essential distinctions). 4 of, as, or like a noun. ~ nominally adv. [latin nomen name]

Nominalism  n. Doctrine that universals or general ideas are mere names. ~ nominalist n. Nominalistic adj.

Nominal value  n. Face value.

Nominate  v. (-ting) 1 propose (a candidate) for election. 2 appoint to an office. 3 name or appoint (a date or place). ~ nomination n. Nominator n. [latin: related to +nominal]

Nominative  gram. —n. Case expressing the subject of a verb. —adj. Of or in this case.

Nominee  n. Person who is nominated.

Non-  prefix giving the negative sense of words with which it is combined. [latin non not]

Usage  the number of words that can be formed from the suffix non- is unlimited; consequently, only the most current and noteworthy can be given here.

Nonagenarian  n. Person from 90 to 99 years old. [latin nonageni ninety each]

Non-aggression  n. Lack of or restraint from aggression (often attrib.: non-aggression pact).

Nonagon  n. Plane figure with nine sides and angles. [latin nonus ninth, after +hexagon]

Non-alcoholic  adj. Containing no alcohol.

Non-aligned  adj. (of a state) not aligned with a major power. ~ non-alignment n.

Non-belligerent   —adj. Not engaged in hostilities. —n. Non-belligerent state etc.

Nonce  n. ~ for the nonce for the time being; for the present occasion. [from for than anes = for the one]

Nonce-word  n. Word coined for one occasion.

Nonchalant  adj. Calm and casual. ~ nonchalance n. Nonchalantly adv. [french chaloir be concerned]

Non-com  n. Colloq. Non-commissioned officer. [abbreviation]

Non-combatant  n. Person not fighting in a war, esp. A civilian, army chaplain, etc.

Non-commissioned  adj.  (of an officer) not holding a commission.

Noncommittal  adj. Avoiding commitment to a definite opinion or course of action.

Non compos mentis  adj. (also non compos) not in one's right mind. [latin, = not having control of one's mind]

Non-conductor  n. Substance that does not conduct heat or electricity.

Nonconformist  n. 1 person who does not conform to the doctrine or discipline of an established church, esp. (nonconformist) member of a (usu. Protestant) sect dissenting from the anglican church. 2 person who does not conform to a prevailing principle.

Nonconformity  n. 1 nonconformists as a body, or their principles. 2 (usu. Foll. By to) failure to conform. 3 lack of correspondence between things.

Non-contributory  adj. Not involving contributions.

Non-cooperation  n. Failure to cooperate.

Nondescript  —adj. Lacking distinctive characteristics, not easily classified. —n. Nondescript person or thing. [related to +describe]

Non-drinker  n. Person who does not drink alcoholic liquor.

Non-driver  n. Person who does not drive a motor vehicle.

None  —pron. 1 (foll. By of) a not any of (none of this concerns me; none of them have found it). B not any one of (none of them has come). 2 a no persons (none but fools believe it). B no person (none but a fool believes it). 3 (usu. With the preceding noun implied) not any (you have money and i have none). —adv. (foll. By the + compar., or so, too) by no amount; not at all (am none the wiser). [old english, = not one]

Usage  in sense 1b, the verb following none can be singular or plural according to meaning.

Nonentity  n. (pl. -ies) 1 person or thing of no importance. 2 a non-existence. B non-existent thing. [medieval latin]

Nones  n.pl. Day of the ancient roman month (the 7th day of march, may, july, and october, the 5th of other months). [latin nonus ninth]

Non-essential  —adj. Not essential. —n. Non-essential thing.

Nonetheless  adv. (also none the less) nevertheless.

Non-event  n. Insignificant event, esp. Contrary to hopes or expectations.

Non-existent  adj. Not existing.

Non-fattening  adj. (of food) not containing many calories.

Non-ferrous  adj. (of a metal) other than iron or steel.

Non-fiction  n. Literary work other than fiction.

Non-flammable  adj. Not inflammable.

Non-interference  n. = +non-intervention.

Non-intervention  n. (esp. Political) principle or practice of not becoming involved in others' affairs.

Non-member  n. Person who is not a member.

Non-nuclear  adj. 1 not involving nuclei or nuclear energy. 2 (of a state etc.) Not having nuclear weapons.

Non-observance  n. Failure to observe (an agreement, requirement, etc.).

Non-operational  adj. 1 that does not operate. 2 out of order.

Nonpareil  —adj. Unrivalled or unique. —n. Such a person or thing. [french pareil]

Non-partisan  adj. Not partisan.

Non-party  adj. Independent of political parties.

Non-payment  n. Failure to pay; lack of payment.

Nonplus  v. (-ss-) completely perplex. [latin non plus not more]

Non-profit-making  adj. (of an enterprise) not conducted primarily to make a profit.

Non-proliferation  n. Prevention of an increase in something, esp. Possession of nuclear weapons.

Non-resident  —adj. 1 not residing in a particular place. 2 (of a post) not requiring the holder to reside at the place of work. —n. Non-resident person. ~ non-residential adj.

Non-resistance  n. Practice or principle of not resisting authority.

Non-returnable  adj. That is not to be returned.

Non-sectarian  adj. Not sectarian.

Nonsense  n. 1 (often as int.) Absurd or meaningless words or ideas. 2 foolish or extravagant conduct. ~ nonsensical adj. Nonsensically adv.

Non sequitur  n. Conclusion that does not logically follow from the premisses. [latin, = it does not follow]

Non-slip  adj. 1 that does not slip. 2 that inhibits slipping.

Non-smoker  n. 1 person who does not smoke. 2 train compartment etc. Where smoking is forbidden. ~ non-smoking adj.

Non-specialist  n. Person who is not a specialist (in a particular subject).

Non-specific  adj. That cannot be specified.

Non-standard  adj. Not standard.

Non-starter  n. Colloq. Person or scheme that is unlikely to succeed.

Non-stick  adj. That does not allow things to stick to it.

Non-stop  —adj. 1 (of a train etc.) Not stopping at intermediate places. 2 done without a stop or intermission. —adv. Without stopping.

Non-swimmer  n. Person who cannot swim.

Non-toxic  adj. Not toxic.

Non-transferable  adj. That may not be transferred.

Non-u  adj. Colloq. Not characteristic of the upper class. [from +u2]

Non-union  adj. 1 not belonging to a trade union. 2 not done or made by trade-union members.

Non-verbal  adj. Not involving words or speech.

Non-violence  n. Avoidance of violence, esp. As a principle. ~ non-violent adj.

Non-voting  adj. 1 not having or using a vote. 2 (of shares) not entitling the holder to vote.

Non-white  —adj. Not white. —n. Non-white person.

Noodle1  n. Strip or ring of pasta. [german]

Noodle2  n. 1 simpleton. 2 slang head. [origin unknown]

Nook  n. Corner or recess; secluded place. [origin unknown]

Noon  n. Twelve o'clock in the day, midday. [latin nona (hora) ninth (hour): originally = 3 p.m.]

Noonday  n. Midday.

No one  n. No person; nobody.

Noose  —n. 1 loop with a running knot. 2 snare, bond. —v. (-sing) catch with or enclose in a noose. [french no(u)s from latin nodus +node]

Nor  conj. And not; and not either (neither one thing nor the other; can neither read nor write). [contraction of obsolete nother: related to +no2, +whether]

Nor'  n., adj., & adv. (esp. In compounds) = +north (nor'wester). [abbreviation]

Nordic  —adj. Of the tall blond long-headed germanic people of scandinavia. —n. Nordic person. [french nord north]

Norfolk jacket  n. Man's loose belted jacket with box pleats. [norfolk in england]

Norm  n. 1 standard, pattern, or type. 2 standard amount of work etc. 3 customary behaviour etc. [latin norma carpenter's square]

Normal  —adj. 1 conforming to a standard; regular, usual, typical. 2 free from mental or emotional disorder. 3 geom. (of a line) at right angles, perpendicular. —n. 1 a normal value of a temperature etc. B usual state, level, etc. 2  line at right angles. ~ normalcy n. Esp. Us. Normality n. [latin normalis: related to +norm]

Normal distribution  n. Function that represents the distribution of many random variables as a symmetrical bell-shaped graph.

Normalize  v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 make or become normal. 2 cause to conform. ~ normalization n.

Normally  adv. 1 in a normal manner. 2 usually.

Norman  —n. 1 native or inhabitant of medieval normandy. 2 descendant of the people of mixed scandinavian and frankish origin established there in the 10th c. 3 norman french. 4  style of architecture found in britain under the normans. —adj. 1 of the normans. 2 of the norman style of architecture. [old norse, = +northman]

Norman conquest  n. Conquest of england by william of normandy in 1066.

Norman french  n. French as spoken by the normans or (after 1066) in english lawcourts.

Normative  adj. Of or establishing a norm. [latin: related to +norm]

Norn  n. Any of three goddesses of destiny in scandinavian mythology. [old norse]

Norse  —n. 1 norwegian language. 2 scandinavian language-group. —adj. Of ancient scandinavia, esp. Norway. ~ norseman n. [dutch noor(d)sch northern]

North  —n. 1 a point of the horizon 90° anticlockwise from east. B compass point corresponding to this. C direction in which this lies. 2 (usu. The north) a part of a country or town lying to the north. B the industrialized nations. —adj. 1 towards, at, near, or facing the north. 2 from the north (north wind). —adv. 1 towards, at, or near the north. 2 (foll. By of) further north than. ~ to the north (often foll. By of) in a northerly direction. [old english]

North american  —adj. Of north america. —n. Native or inhabitant of north america, esp. A citizen of the us or canada.

Northbound  adj. Travelling or leading northwards.

North country  n. Northern england.

North-east  n. Part of a country or town to the north-east.

North-east  —n. 1 point of the horizon midway between north and east. 2 direction in which this lies. —adj. Of, towards, or coming from the north-east. —adv. Towards, at, or near the north-east.

Northeaster  n. North-east wind.

North-easterly  adj. & adv. = +north-east.

North-eastern  adj. On the north-east side.

Northerly  —adj. & adv. 1 in a northern position or direction. 2 (of wind) from the north. —n. (pl. -ies) such a wind.

Northern  adj. Of or in the north. ~ northernmost adj.  [old english]

Northerner  n. Native or inhabitant of the north.

Northern hemisphere  n. The half of the earth north of the equator.

Northern lights  n.pl. Aurora borealis.

Northman  n. Native of scandinavia, esp. Norway. [old english]

North-north-east  n. Point or direction midway between north and north-east.

North-north-west  n. Point or direction midway between north and north-west.

North pole  n. Northernmost point of the earth's axis of rotation.

North star  n. Pole star.

Northward  —adj. & adv. (also northwards) towards the north. —n. Northward direction or region.

North-west  n. Part of a country or town to the north-west.

North-west  —n. 1 point of the horizon midway between north and west. 2 direction in which this lies. —adj. Of, towards, or coming from the north-west. —adv. Towards, at, or near the north-west.

Northwester  n. North-west wind.

North-westerly  adj. & adv. = +north-west.

North-western  adj. On the north-west side.

Norwegian  —n. 1 a native or national of norway. B person of norwegian descent. 2 language of norway. —adj. Of or relating to norway. [medieval latin norvegia from old norse, = northway]

Nor'wester  n. Northwester.

Nos.  Pl. Of +no.

Nose  —n. 1 organ above the mouth of a human or animal, used for smelling and breathing. 2 a sense of smell. B ability to detect a particular thing (a nose for scandal). 3 odour or perfume of wine etc. 4 front end or projecting part of a thing, e.g. Of a car or aircraft. —v. (-sing) 1 (usu. Foll. By about, around, etc.) Pry or search. 2 (often foll. By out) a perceive the smell of, discover by smell. B detect. 3 thrust one's nose against or into. 4 make one's way cautiously forward. ~ by a nose by a very narrow margin.

Nosebag  n. Bag containing fodder, hung on a horse's head.

Noseband  n. Lower band of a bridle, passing over the horse's nose.

Nosebleed  n. Bleeding from the nose.

Nosedive  —n. 1 steep downward plunge by an aeroplane. 2 sudden plunge or drop. —v. (-ving) make a nosedive.

Nosegay  n. Small bunch of flowers.

Nose-to-tail  adj. & adv. (of vehicles) one close behind another.

Nosh  slang —v. Eat. —n. 1 food or drink. 2 us snack. [yiddish]

Nosh-up  n. Slang large meal.

Nostalgia  n. 1 (often foll. By for) yearning for a past period. 2 severe homesickness. ~ nostalgic adj. Nostalgically adv. [greek nostos return home]

Nostril  n. Either of the two openings in the nose. [old english, = nose-hole]

Nostrum  n. 1 quack remedy, patent medicine. 2 pet scheme, esp. For political or social reform. [latin, = ‘of our own make’]

Nosy  adj. (-ier, -iest) colloq. Inquisitive, prying. ~ nosily adv. Nosiness n.

Nosy parker  n. Colloq. Busybody.

Not  adv. Expressing negation, esp.: 1 (also n't joined to a preceding verb) following an auxiliary verb or be or (in a question) the subject of such a verb (i cannot say; she isn't there; am i not right?). 2 used elliptically for a negative phrase etc. (is she coming? — i hope not; do you want it? — certainly not!). ~ not at all (in polite reply to thanks) there is no need for thanks. Not half see +half. Not quite 1 almost. 2 noticeably not (not quite proper). [contraction of +nought]

Usage  the use of not with verbs other than auxiliaries or be is now archaic except with participles and infinitives (not knowing, i cannot say; we asked them not to come).

Notable  —adj. Worthy of note; remarkable, eminent. —n. Eminent person. ~ notability n. Notably adv. [latin noto +note]

Notary  n. (pl. -ies) (in full notary public) solicitor etc. Who attests or certifies deeds etc. ~ notarial adj. [latin notarius secretary]

Notation  n. 1 representation of numbers, quantities, the pitch and duration of musical notes, etc., by symbols. 2 any set of such symbols. [latin: related to +note]

Notch  —n. V-shaped indentation on an edge or surface. —v. 1 make notches in. 2 (usu. Foll. By up) record or score with or as with notches. [anglo-french]

Note  —n. 1 brief written record as an aid to memory (often in pl.: make notes). 2 observation, usu. Unwritten, of experiences etc. (compare notes). 3 short or informal letter. 4 formal diplomatic communication. 5 short annotation or additional explanation in a book etc. 6 a = +banknote. B written promise of payment. 7 a notice, attention (worthy of note). B eminence (person of note). 8  a single musical tone of definite pitch. B written sign representing its pitch and duration. C key of a piano etc. 9 quality or tone of speaking, expressing mood or attitude etc. (note of optimism). —v. (-ting) 1 observe, notice; give attention to. 2 (often foll. By down) record as a thing to be remembered or observed. 3 (in passive; often foll. By for) be well known. ~ hit (or strike) the right note speak or act in exactly the right manner. [latin nota mark (n.), noto mark (v.)]

Notebook  n. Small book for making notes in.

Notecase  n. Wallet for holding banknotes.

Notelet  n. Small folded usu. Decorated sheet of paper for an informal letter.

Notepaper  n. Paper for writing letters.

Noteworthy  adj. Worthy of attention; remarkable.

Nothing  —n. 1 not anything (nothing has been done). 2 no thing (often foll. By compl.: i see nothing that i want). 3 person or thing of no importance. 4 non-existence; what does not exist. 5 no amount; nought. —adv. Not at all, in no way. ~ be (or have) nothing to do with 1 have no connection with. 2 not be involved or associated with. For nothing 1 at no cost. 2 to no purpose. Have nothing on 1 be naked. 2 have no engagements. Nothing doing colloq. 1 no prospect of success or agreement. 2 i refuse. [old english: related to +no1, +thing]

Nothingness  n. 1 non-existence. 2 worthlessness, triviality.

Notice  —n. 1 attention, observation (escaped my notice). 2 displayed sheet etc. Bearing an announcement. 3 a intimation or warning, esp. A formal one. B formal announcement or declaration of intention to end an agreement or leave employment at a specified time. 4 short published review of a new play, book, etc. —v. (-cing) (often foll. By that, how, etc.) Perceive, observe. ~ at short (or a moment's) notice with little warning. Take notice (or no notice) show signs (or no signs) of interest. Take notice of 1 observe. 2 act upon. [latin notus known]

Noticeable  adj. Perceptible; noteworthy. ~ noticeably adv.

Notice-board  n. Board for displaying notices.

Notifiable  adj. (of a disease etc.) That must be notified to the health authorities.

Notify  v. (-ies, -ied) 1 (often foll. By of or that) inform or give formal notice to (a person). 2 make known. ~ notification n. [latin notus known]

Notion  n. 1 a concept or idea; conception. B opinion. C vague view or understanding. 2 inclination or intention. [latin notio: related to +notify]

Notional  adj. Hypothetical, imaginary. ~ notionally adv.

Notorious  adj. Well-known, esp. Unfavourably. ~ notoriety n. Notoriously adv. [latin notus known]

Notwithstanding  —prep. In spite of; without prevention by. —adv. Nevertheless. [from +not, +withstand]

Nougat  n. Sweet made from sugar or honey, nuts, and egg-white. [french from provençal]

Nought  n. 1 digit 0; cipher. 2 poet. Or archaic nothing. [old english: related to +not, +aught]

Noughts and crosses  n.pl. Pencil-and-paper game in which players seek to complete a row of three noughts or three crosses.

Noun  n.  Word used to name a person, place, or thing. [latin nomen name]

Nourish  v. 1 sustain with food. 2 foster or cherish (a feeling etc.). ~ nourishing adj. [latin nutrio to feed]

Nourishment  n. Sustenance, food.

Nous  n. 1 colloq. Common sense; gumption. 2 philos. Mind, intellect. [greek]

Nouveau riche  n. (pl. Nouveaux riches pronunc. Same) person who has recently acquired (usu. Ostentatious) wealth. [french, = new rich]

Nouvelle cuisine  n. Modern style of cookery avoiding heaviness and emphasizing presentation. [french, = new cookery]

Nov.  Abbr. November.

Nova  n. (pl. Novae or -s) star showing a sudden burst of brightness and then subsiding. [latin, = new]

Novel1  n. Fictitious prose story of book length. [latin novus new]

Novel2  adj. Of a new kind or nature. [latin novus new]

Novelette  n. Short novel.

Novelist  n. Writer of novels.

Novella  n. (pl. -s) short novel or narrative story. [italian: related to +novel1]

Novelty  n. (pl. -ies) 1 newness. 2 new or unusual thing or occurrence. 3 small toy or trinket. [related to +novel2]

November  n. Eleventh month of the year. [latin novem nine, originally the 9th month of the roman year]

Novena  n. Rc ch. Devotion consisting of special prayers or services on nine successive days. [latin novem nine]

Novice  n. 1 a probationary member of a religious order. B new convert. 2 beginner. [latin novicius, from novus new]

Noviciate  n. (also novitiate) 1 period of being a novice. 2 religious novice. 3 novices' quarters. [medieval latin: related to +novice]

Now  —adv. 1 at the present or mentioned time. 2 immediately (i must go now). 3 by this time. 4 under the present circumstances (i cannot now agree). 5 on this further occasion (what do you want now?). 6 in the immediate past (just now). 7 (esp. In a narrative) then, next (the police now arrived). 8 (without reference to time, giving various tones to a sentence) surely, i insist, i wonder, etc. (now what do you mean by that?; oh come now!). —conj. (often foll. By that) as a consequence of the fact (now that i am older). —n. This time; the present. ~ for now until a later time (goodbye for now). Now and again (or then) from time to time; intermittently. [old english]

Nowadays  —adv. At the present time or age; in these times. —n. The present time.

Nowhere  —adv. In or to no place. —pron. No place. ~ get nowhere make no progress. Nowhere near not nearly. [old english]

No-win  attrib. Adj. Of or designating a situation in which success is impossible.

Nowt  n. Colloq. Or dial. Nothing. [from +nought]

Noxious  adj. Harmful, unwholesome. [latin noxa harm]

Nozzle  n. Spout on a hose etc. From which a jet issues. [diminutive of +nose]

Np  symb.  Neptunium.

Nr.  Abbr. Near.

Ns  abbr. New style.

Nspcc  abbr. National society for the prevention of cruelty to children.

Nsw  abbr. New south wales.

Nt  abbr. 1 new testament. 2 northern territory (of australia). 3 national trust.

N't  see +not.

Nth  see +n1.

Nu  n. Thirteenth letter of the greek alphabet (n, n). [greek]

Nuance  n. Subtle shade of meaning, feeling, colour, etc. [latin nubes cloud]

Nub  n. 1 point or gist (of a matter or story). 2 (also nubble) small lump, esp. Of coal. ~ nubbly adj. [related to +knob]

Nubile  adj. (of a woman) marriageable or sexually attractive. ~ nubility n. [latin nubo become the wife of]

Nuclear  adj. 1 of, relating to, or constituting a nucleus. 2 using nuclear energy.

Nuclear bomb  n. Bomb using the release of energy by nuclear fission or fusion or both.

Nuclear energy  n. Energy obtained by nuclear fission or fusion.

Nuclear family  n. A couple and their child or children.

Nuclear fission  n. Nuclear reaction in which a heavy nucleus splits spontaneously or on impact with another particle, with the release of energy.

Nuclear fuel  n. Source of nuclear energy.

Nuclear fusion  n. Nuclear reaction in which atomic nuclei of low atomic number fuse to form a heavier nucleus with the release of energy.

Nuclear physics  n.pl. (treated as sing.) Physics of atomic nuclei.

Nuclear power  n. 1 power generated by a nuclear reactor. 2 country that has nuclear weapons.

Nuclear reactor  n. Device in which a nuclear fission chain reaction is used to produce energy.

Nuclear weapon  n. Weapon using the release of energy by nuclear fission or fusion or both.

Nucleate  —adj. Having a nucleus. —v. (-ting) form or form into a nucleus. [latin: related to +nucleus]

Nucleic acid  n. Either of two complex organic molecules (dna and rna), present in all living cells.

Nucleon  n. Proton or neutron.

Nucleus  n. (pl. Nuclei) 1 a central part or thing round which others are collected. B kernel of an aggregate or mass. 2 initial part meant to receive additions. 3 central core of an atom. 4 large dense part of a cell, containing the genetic material. [latin, = kernel, diminutive of nux nuc- nut]

Nude  —adj. Naked, bare, unclothed. —n. 1 painting, sculpture, etc. Of a nude human figure. 2 nude person. ~ in the nude naked. ~ nudity n. [latin nudus]

Nudge  —v. (-ging) 1 prod gently with the elbow to attract attention. 2 push gradually. —n. Prod; gentle push. [origin unknown]

Nudist  n. Person who advocates or practises going unclothed. ~ nudism n.

Nugatory  adj. 1 futile, trifling. 2 inoperative; not valid. [latin nugae jests]

Nugget  n. 1 lump of gold etc., as found in the earth. 2 lump of anything. 3 something valuable. [apparently from dial. Nug lump]

Nuisance  n. Person, thing, or circumstance causing trouble or annoyance. [french, = hurt, from nuire nuis- injure, from latin noceo to hurt]

Nuke  colloq. —n. Nuclear weapon. —v. (-king) attack with nuclear weapons. [abbreviation]

Null  adj. 1 (esp. Null and void) invalid. 2 non-existent. 3 without character or expression. ~ nullity n. [latin nullus none]

Nullify  v. (-ies, -ied) neutralize, invalidate. ~ nullification n.

Numb  —adj. (often foll. By with) deprived of feeling; paralysed. —v. 1 make numb. 2 stupefy, paralyse. ~ numbness n. [obsolete nome past part. Of nim take: related to +nimble]

Number  —n. 1 a arithmetical value representing a particular quantity. B word, symbol, or figure representing this. C arithmetical value showing position in a series (registration number). 2 (often foll. By of) total count or aggregate (the number of accidents has decreased). 3 numerical reckoning (the laws of number). 4 a (in sing. Or pl.) Quantity, amount (a large number of people; only in small numbers). B (a number of) several (of). C (in pl.) Numerical preponderance (force of numbers). 5 person or thing having a place in a series, esp. A single issue of a magazine, an item in a programme, etc. 6 company, collection, group (among our number). 7 gram. A classification of words by their singular or plural forms. B such a form. —v. 1 include (i number you among my friends). 2 assign a number or numbers to. 3 amount to (a specified number). 4 count. ~ one's days are numbered one does not have long to live. Have a person's number colloq. Understand a person's real motives, character, etc. One's number is up colloq. One is doomed to die soon. Without number innumerable. [latin numerus]

Usage  in sense 4b, a number of is normally used with a plural verb: a number of problems remain.

Number crunching  n. Colloq. Process of making complex calculations.

Numberless  adj. Innumerable.

Number one  —n. Colloq. Oneself. —adj. Most important (the number one priority).

Number-plate  n. Plate on a vehicle showing its registration number.

Numerable  adj. That can be counted. [latin: related to +number]

Numeral  —n. Symbol or group of symbols denoting a number. —adj. Of or denoting a number. [latin: related to +number]

Numerate  adj. Acquainted with the basic principles of mathematics. ~ numeracy n. [latin numerus number, after literate]

Numeration  n. 1 method or process of numbering. 2 calculation. [latin: related to +number]

Numerator  n. Number above the line in a vulgar fraction showing how many of the parts indicated by the denominator are taken (e.g. 2 in 2/3). [latin: related to +number]

Numerical  adj. Of or relating to a number or numbers. ~ numerically adv. [medieval latin: related to +number]

Numerology  n. The study of the supposed occult significance of numbers.

Numerous  adj. 1 many. 2 consisting of many. [latin: related to +number]

Numinous  adj. 1 indicating the presence of a divinity. 2 spiritual, awe-inspiring. [latin numen deity]

Numismatic  adj. Of or relating to coins or medals. [greek nomisma coin]

Numismatics  n.pl. (usu. Treated as sing.) The study of coins or medals. ~ numismatist n.

Numskull  n. Stupid person. [from +numb]

Nun  n. Member of a religious community of women living under certain vows. [latin nonna]

Nuncio  n. (pl. -s) papal ambassador. [latin nuntius messenger]

Nunnery  n. (pl. -ies) religious house of nuns.

Nuptial  —adj. Of marriage or weddings. —n. (usu. In pl.) Wedding. [latin nubo nupt- wed]

Nurd  var. Of +nerd.

Nurse  —n. 1 person trained to care for the sick or infirm and assist doctors or dentists. 2 = +nursemaid. —v. (-sing) 1 a work as a nurse. B attend to (a sick person). 2 feed or be fed at the breast. 3 hold or treat carefully. 4 a foster; promote the development of. B harbour (a grievance etc.). [latin: related to +nourish]

Nurseling  var. Of +nursling.

Nursemaid  n. Woman in charge of a child or children.

Nursery  n. (pl. -ies) 1 a a room or place equipped for young children. B = +day nursery. 2 place where plants are reared for sale. [probably anglo-french: related to +nurse]

Nurseryman  n. Owner of or worker in a plant nursery.

Nursery rhyme  n. Simple traditional song or rhyme for children.

Nursery school  n. School for children between the ages of three and five.

Nursery slopes  n.pl.  Gentle slopes for novice skiers.

Nursing home  n.  Privately run hospital or home for invalids, old people, etc.

Nursling  n. (also nurseling) infant that is being suckled.

Nurture  —n. 1 bringing up, fostering care. 2 nourishment. —v. (-ring) bring up; rear. [french: related to +nourish]

Nut  n. 1 a fruit consisting of a hard or tough shell around an edible kernel. B this kernel. 2 pod containing hard seeds. 3 small usu. Hexagonal flat piece of metal etc. With a threaded hole through it for screwing on the end of a bolt to secure it. 4 slang person's head. 5 slang crazy or eccentric person. 6 small lump (of coal etc.). 7 (in pl.) Coarse slang testicles.~ do one's nut slang be extremely angry. [old english]

Nutcase  n. Slang crazy person.

Nutcracker  n. (usu. In pl.) Device for cracking nuts.

Nuthatch  n. Small bird which climbs up and down tree-trunks.

Nutmeg  n. 1 hard aromatic seed used as a spice and in medicine. 2 e. Indian tree bearing this. [french nois nut, mugue +musk]

Nutria  n. Coypu fur. [spanish, = otter]

Nutrient  —n. Substance that provides essential nourishment. —adj. Serving as or providing nourishment. [latin nutrio nourish]

Nutriment  n. 1 nourishing food. 2 intellectual or artistic etc. Nourishment.

Nutrition  n. Food, nourishment. ~ nutritional adj. Nutritionist n.

Nutritious  adj. Efficient as food.

Nutritive  adj. 1 of nutrition. 2 nutritious.

Nuts  predic. Adj. Slang crazy, mad.~ be nuts about (or on) colloq. Be very fond of. [pl. Of +nut]

Nuts and bolts  n.pl. Colloq. Practical details.

Nutshell  n. Hard exterior covering of a nut. ~ in a nutshell in a few words.

Nutter  n. Slang crazy person.

Nutty  adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 a full of nuts. B tasting like nuts. 2 slang crazy. ~ nuttiness n.

Nux vomica  n. 1 e. Indian tree. 2 seeds of this tree, containing strychnine. [latin, = abscess nut]

Nuzzle  v. (-ling) 1 prod or rub gently with the nose. 2 (foll. By into, against, up to) press the nose gently. 3 nestle; lie snug. [from +nose]

Nw  abbr. 1 north-west. 2 north-western.

Ny  abbr. Us new york.

Nylon  n. 1 tough light elastic synthetic fibre. 2 nylon fabric. 3 (in pl.) Stockings of nylon. [invented word]

Nymph  n. 1 mythological semi-divine spirit regarded as a maiden and associated with an aspect of nature, esp. Rivers and woods. 2 poet. Beautiful young woman. 3 immature form of some insects. [greek numphe nymph, bride]

Nympho  n. (pl. -s) colloq. Nymphomaniac. [abbreviation]

Nymphomania  n. Excessive sexual desire in a woman. ~ nymphomaniac n. & adj. [from +nymph, +-mania]

Nz  abbr. New zealand.

Online English Dictionary Free Words Starting with Letter N

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