n.
Pronunciation: ' n ē d
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English ned, from Old English n ī ed, n ē d; akin to Old High German n ō t distress, need, Old Prussian nautin need
Date: before 12th century
1 : necessary duty : OBLIGATION
2 a : a lack of something requisite, desirable, or useful b : a physiological or psychological requirement for the well-being of an organism
3 : a condition requiring supply or relief
4 : lack of the means of subsistence : POVERTY