n.
Pronunciation: ' n ā l
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English nægl; akin to Old High German nagal nail, fingernail, Latin unguis fingernail, toenail, claw, Greek onyx
Date: before 12th century
1 a : a horny sheath protecting the upper end of each finger and toe of humans and most other primates b : a structure (as a claw) that terminates a digit and corresponds to a nail
2 : a slender usually pointed and headed fastener designed to be pounded in