'Nisus' definitions:
Definition of 'nisus'
From: WordNet
Definition of 'Nisus'
From: GCIDE
- Nisus \Ni"sus\, n. [L., fr. niti, p. p. nisus, to strive.]
- 1. A striving; an effort; a conatus. [1913 Webster]
- A nisus or energizing towards a presented object. --Hickok. [1913 Webster]
- 2. (Physiol.) (a) The periodic procreative desire manifested in the spring by birds, etc. (b) The contraction of the diaphragm and abdominal muscles to evacuate feces or urine. [Webster 1913 Suppl.]