[nu.ance] n [F, fr. MF, shade of color, fr. nuer to make shades of color, fr. nue cloud, fr. L nubes; perh. akin to W nudd mist] (1781) 1: a subtle distinction or variation
2: a subtle quality: nicety
3: sensibility to, awareness of, or ability to express delicate shadings (as of meaning, feeling, or value) -- nu.anced adj