nale

Noun

nail (plural nails)

1. The horny plate or appendage at the ends of the digits of various animals, including most reptiles, birds, and mammals (both nonhuman and human).

   Synonyms:

   onychium, unguis

   1. (often, specifically) The thin, flat type of such a plate on the fingers and toes of humans, chimpanzees and some other primates.
      • When I'm nervous I bite my nails.
2. The basal thickened portion of the anterior wings of certain hemiptera.
3. The terminal horny plate on the beak of ducks and other allied birds.
4. A spike-shaped metal fastener used for joining wood or similar materials. The nail is generally driven through two or more layers of material by means of impacts from a hammer or other device. It is then held in place by friction.
   • Yesterday my shirt got torn after I caught it on a nail.
5. A round pedestal on which merchants once carried out their business, such as the four nails outside The Exchange, Bristol.

See all 19 meanings of nail