nature

n.

1. The external universe

   cosmos, creation, macrocosm, world; see universe, earth 1.

2. The complex of essential qualities

   characteristics, quality, constitution; see character 1, essence 1.

3. Natural surroundings

   outside world, out-of-doors, scenery, rural setting, natural setting, view, seascape, landscape, the outdoors, external nature, natural scenery, God's hand, recreational facilities, forest primeval, the great outdoors*, the birds and the bees*; see also environment, reality 1.

4. Natural forces

   natural law, natural order, the forces of nature, underlying cause, cosmic process, physical energy, kinetic energy, potential energy, water power, fission, fusion, hydrogen atom, heavy water, atomic power, the sun, radiation, rays; beta rays, gamma rays; see also energy 3, physics.

5. Vital forces in an organism

   creation, generation, regeneration, restoration, vivification, animation, energy, quickening, reproductiveness, life force, the nature of the beast*; see also life 1, 2, strength 1.

6. Kind

   species, sort, type; see kind 2, variety 1, 2.

by nature

in a state of nature

of<strong> <em>or</em> </strong>in the nature of