Nail Definition
nāl
nailed, nailing, nails
noun
nails
A thin, horny covering that grows out over the upper tip of a finger or toe.
Webster's New World
A fingernail or toenail.
American Heritage Medicine
A similar growth on a toe of a bird, reptile, etc.; claw.
Webster's New World
A tapered piece of metal, commonly pointed and having a flattened head, driven with a hammer, and used to hold pieces or parts together, to hang things on, etc.
Webster's New World
A claw or talon.
American Heritage Medicine
verb
nailed, nailing, nails
To attach or fasten together or onto something else with or as with nails.
Webster's New World
To secure, hold, or fasten shut with nails.
Webster's New World
To fix (the eyes, attention, etc.) steadily on an object.
Webster's New World
To keep fixed, motionless, or intent.
Fear nailed me to my seat.
American Heritage
To catch, capture, seize, or intercept.
Webster's New World
Synonyms:
idiom
hard as nails
- callous, unfeeling, remorseless, etc.
Webster's New World
hit the nail on the head
- to do or say whatever is exactly right or to the point
Webster's New World
nail down
- to fasten tightly with nails
- to settle definitely; clinch
Webster's New World
nail up
- to fasten with nails to a wall or at some height
- to fasten (a door, window, etc.) tightly with nails
Webster's New World
Idioms, Phrasal Verbs Related to Nail
Origin of Nail
-
Middle English from Old English nægl fingernail, toenail nogh- in Indo-European roots
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
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