'Nisus' definitions:

Definition of 'nisus'

From: WordNet
noun
An effortful attempt to attain a goal [syn: striving, nisus, pains, strain]

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.]

Words containing 'Nisus'