■ noun
1》 the phenomena of the physical world collectively, including plants, animals, and the landscape, as opposed to humans or human creations.
↘the physical force that is regarded as causing and regulating these phenomena.
2》 the basic or inherent features, qualities, or character of a person or thing.
↘inborn or hereditary characteristics as an influence on or determinant of personality. Often contrasted with nurture .
↘ archaic a person of a specified character.
Phrases
one's better ~ one's capacity for tolerance, generosity, or sympathy.
in the ~ of things inevitable or inevitably.
in a state of ~
1》 in an uncivilized or uncultivated state.
2》 totally naked.
3》 Christian Theology in a morally unregenerate condition, unredeemed by divine grace.
the ~ of the beast informal the inherent or essential character of something.
Derivatives
-~d adjective
Origin
ME: from OFr., from L. natura 'birth, ~, quality', from nat- , nasci 'be born'.