[na.ture] n [ME, fr. MF, fr. L natura, fr. natus, pp. of nasci to be born--more at nation] (14c) 1 a: the inherent character or basic constitution of a person or thing: essence b: disposition, temperament
2. a: a creative and controlling force in the universe b: an inner force or the sum of such forces in an individual
3: a kind or class usu. distinguished by fundamental or essential characteristics "documents of a confidential ~" "acts of a ceremonial ~"
4: the physical constitution or drives of an organism; esp: an excretory organ or function--used in phrases like the call of nature
5: a spontaneous attitude (as of generosity)
6: the external world in its entirety
7. a: humankind's original or natural condition b: a simplified mode of life resembling this condition 8: the genetically controlled qualities of an organism 9: natural scenery syn see type