n.
Pronunciation: ' in, ə n, ə n
Function: preposition
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old High German in in, Latin in, Greek en
Date: before 12th century
1 a ― used as a function word to indicate inclusion, location, or position within limits < in the lake> <wounded in the leg> < in the summer> b : INTO 1 <went in the house>
2 ― used as a function word to indicate means, medium, or instrumentality <written in pencil> <bound in leather>
3 a ― used as a function word to indicate limitation, qualification, or circumstance <alike in some respects> <left in a hurry> b : INTO 2A <broke in pieces>
4 ― used as a function word to indicate purpose <said in reply>
5 ― used as a function word to indicate the larger member of a ratio <one in six is eligible>