I. ˈnərs noun
Etymology: Middle English norice, norce, nurse, from Anglo-French nurice, from Late Latin nutricia, from Latin, feminine of nutricius nourishing — more at nutritious
Date: 13th century
1.
a. : a woman who suckles an infant not her own : wet nurse
b. : a woman who takes care of a young child : dry nurse
2. : one that looks after, fosters, or advises
3. : a person who cares for the sick or infirm ; specifically : a licensed health-care professional who practices independently or is supervised by a physician, surgeon, or dentist and who is skilled in promoting and maintaining health — compare licensed practical nurse , registered nurse
4.
a. : a worker form of a social insect (as an ant or a bee) that cares for the young
b. : a female mammal used to suckle the young of another
II. verb
( nursed ; nurs·ing )
Etymology: Middle English nurshen to suckle, nourish, contraction of nurishen
Date: 14th century
transitive verb
1.
a. : to nourish at the breast : suckle
b. : to take nourishment from the breast of
2. : rear , educate
3.
a. : to promote the development or progress of
b. : to manage with care or economy
nursed the business through hard times
nursed a 1-0 lead
c. : to take charge of and watch over
4.
a. : to care for and wait on (as a sick person)
b. : to attempt to cure by care and treatment
5. : to hold in one's memory or consideration
nurse a grievance
6.
a. : to use, handle, or operate carefully so as to conserve energy or avoid injury or pain
nurse a sprained ankle
b. : to use sparingly
c. : to consume slowly or over a long period
nurse a cup of coffee
intransitive verb
1.
a. : to feed an offspring from the breast
b. : to feed at the breast : suck
2. : to act or serve as a nurse
• nurs·er noun