n.
Pronunciation: ' n ī -s ə s
Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural ni · sus \ -s ə s, - ˌ süs \
Etymology: Latin, from niti to lean, rely, strive; akin to Latin nictare to wink ― more at CONNIVE
Date: 1699
: a mental or physical effort to attain an end : a perfective urge or endeavor