nisus

noun

ni·​sus ˈnī-səs How to pronounce nisus (audio)
plural nisus ˈnī-səs How to pronounce nisus (audio)
-ˌsüs
: a mental or physical effort to attain an end : a perfective urge or endeavor

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from niti to lean, rely, strive; akin to Latin nictare to wink — more at connive

First Known Use

1699, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nisus was in 1699

Dictionary Entries Near nisus

Cite this Entry

“Nisus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nisus. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

nisus

noun
ni·​sus ˈnī-səs How to pronounce nisus (audio)
plural nisus -səs, -ˌsüs How to pronounce nisus (audio)
: a mental or physical effort to attain an end

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