n.
Pronunciation: ' n ā -ch ə r
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin natura, from natus, past participle of nasci to be born ― more at NATION
Date: 14th century
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 usually distinguished by fundamental or essential characteristics <documents of a confidential nature > <acts of a ceremonial nature >
4 : the physical constitution or drives of an organism especially : 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
synonyms see TYPE