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nail definition

nail (nāl)

noun

    1. a thin, horny covering that grows out over the upper tip of a finger or toe
    2. a similar growth on a toe of a bird, reptile, etc.; claw
  2. 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.
  3. an old cloth measure, equal to 2 inches

Etymology: ME naile < OE nægl, akin to Ger nagel < IE base *onogh, nail > Sans áṅghri-, foot, Gr onyx, nail, L unguis, fingernail

transitive verb

  1. to attach or fasten together or onto something else with or as with nails
  2. to secure, hold, or fasten shut with nails
  3. to fix (the eyes, attention, etc.) steadily on an object
  4. to discover or expose (a lie, etc.)
  5. Informal to catch, capture, seize, or intercept
  6. Informal to hit squarely

Etymology: ME nailen < OE mæglan

nail Idioms

hard as nails

callous, unfeeling, remorseless, etc.

hit the nail on the head

to do or say whatever is exactly right or to the point

nail down

  1. to fasten tightly with nails
  2. to settle definitely; clinch

nail up

  1. to fasten with nails to a wall or at some height
  2. to fasten (a door, window, etc.) tightly with nails

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