Words starting with N

A word or words used to identify a person, place, thing, or idea. It is how we call or refer to someone or something.

A nanoparticle is a very tiny particle, smaller than 100 nanometers across. It is often used in science, medicine, and materials research because its small size gives it special properties.

The science of designing and making things at the scale of atoms and molecules. It often deals with very small materials, devices, and tools.

Used to describe a person, animal, or plant that comes from a particular place. It can also mean born in a place or belonging naturally to it.

Made by nature, not by people. It can also mean normal, expected, or easy to understand.

The physical world and all living things, including plants, animals, and landscapes. It is often used for places that are not built by people.

'nduja is a soft, spicy Italian sausage spread made from pork and chilli peppers. It is usually eaten on bread, pizza, or pasta.

Almost, but not completely. Use it to say something is very close to happening or being true.

Something that is nebulous is not clear or well defined. It is vague, hard to understand, or hard to describe.

Needlepoint is a type of decorative sewing. It uses a needle and thread to make pictures or patterns on cloth or canvas.

To make something no longer true, valid, or effective. It can also mean to cancel out the result of something.

To talk with someone to reach an agreement, especially in business, politics, or conflict. It often means each side gives and takes something.

to discuss and agree on how people will share and use common areas. It is often used in housing, offices, schools, or shared buildings.

A neighbor is a person who lives near you, especially next door or in the same area. It can also mean a nearby country, place, or thing.

Based on the ideas, style, or forms of ancient Greek and Roman art, architecture, or literature. It often means a later style that brings back classical rules and simplicity.

To become very excited and deeply interested in a topic, often by talking about it in detail. It is usually informal and suggests strong enthusiasm.

In a way that shows very strong interest in books, computers, science, or other specific subjects. It can also mean in a socially awkward or unfashionable way.

Feeling worried, anxious, or slightly afraid about something. It often happens before an event, test, or important talk.

A nest is a structure that a bird, insect, or other animal makes or uses for resting, keeping eggs, or raising young. It is usually small and safe, and made from grass, twigs, mud, or similar materials.

The process of watching a computer network for signs of unauthorized access or attack. It helps find suspicious activity early.

Neurogenesis is the process of making new nerve cells in the brain or nervous system. It often refers to growth in the brain, especially in early life, and sometimes in adults.

the brain's ability to change its connections and functions because of learning, experience, or damage. It helps the brain adapt over time.

Neutrality is the state of not supporting either side in a dispute, conflict, or competition. It can also mean not taking part in an argument or political issue.

To make something less strong, harmful, or active. It can also mean to stop one thing from having an effect on another.

New means recently made, bought, found, or started. It can also mean not used before, or different from what came before.

Coming immediately after something in time, order, or position. It can describe the following person, thing, day, or step.

Pleasant, enjoyable, or good in a simple way. It can describe a person, thing, feeling, or situation.

If you nip something in the bud, you stop it early before it becomes a bigger problem. It is often used for bad behaviour, trouble, or a small mistake.

Used to say that something is completely true and you are not lying or exaggerating. It works like saying 'I'm serious' or 'I'm not joking.'

Active or happening at night. It often describes animals, habits, or work that are linked to nighttime.

Making or causing a lot of loud sound. It can also describe a place, group, or machine that is hard to ignore because of sound.

Used to describe an amount — usually a fee, cost, or charge — that is very small and almost symbolic. It is far less than what the real value would normally be.

In philosophy, nominalism is the idea that general ideas, like “beauty” or “humanity,” are names only. It says these ideas do not exist as real things outside the mind.

Very tasty or appealing to eat. It is informal and often used in playful speech. People use it for food that looks or tastes especially good.

A long, thin strip of dough made from flour, water, and sometimes egg. It is cooked in soup or fried with sauce.

Relating to rules, standards, or what is considered correct or normal. It describes ideas about how things should be, not just how they are.

to eat, especially in a casual or light way. It often suggests snacking or eating informally.

Feeling sad and happy at the same time because you remember a time in the past. It can also describe something that makes you think warmly about the past.

Feeling sad in a gentle way because you remember the past fondly. It suggests warmth and loss at the same time.

Used to say that something is not your responsibility or area of work. It can sound casual, and sometimes a little rude or dismissive.

Used to say that something is not very difficult to understand or do. It suggests the task is simpler than people think.

To focus on small details and miss the larger situation or main point. It often suggests someone is being too involved in minor matters.

A book of blank or ruled pages for writing notes, lists, or ideas.

A general idea or belief about something, often vague or not fully worked out. You hold a notion without necessarily having strong evidence for it.

Relating to things as they are in themselves, not as we sense them. It is mainly used in philosophy, especially in Kant's writing.

Nourishment is food and other things that help a person or animal grow, stay healthy, and have energy. It can also mean the feeling of being supported or strengthened by something useful.

a careful understanding of something that sees small differences, hidden meaning, or mixed feelings. It is not a simple or one-sided reading.

Relating to the nucleus of an atom, especially the energy released when atoms split or join. It is often used for power, weapons, and science.

The process by which new atomic nuclei are made, especially inside stars or in the early universe. It is how light elements and heavier elements are formed.

Nuggies is an informal word for chicken nuggets. It is often used by children or in playful speech.

To destroy a place or target with a nuclear weapon. It can also mean to attack something very severely.

To officially make something legally invalid so it has no power or effect. This sense is most common in legal, governmental, or official contexts.

A numen is a divine power or spirit thought to live in a place, object, or person. It is often used in religious, literary, or philosophical writing.

Very tasty, especially in a childlike or informal way. It is mainly used in speech, not in formal writing.

Nutrition is the process of taking in and using food so the body stays healthy and grows well. It also means the study of how food affects health.