nater

Noun

nature (countable and uncountable, plural natures)

1. (capitalized, often, uncountable) The way things are, the totality of all things in the physical universe and their order, especially the physical world in contrast to spiritual realms and flora and fauna as distinct from human conventions, art, and technology.
   • I oft admire
     How Nature, wise and frugal, could commit
     Such disproportions.1667, John Milton, “Book VIII”, in Paradise Lost. […], London: […] [Samuel Simmons], and are to be sold by Peter Parker […]; [a]nd by Robert Boulter […]; [a]nd Matthias Walker, […], →OCLC...
2. The essential or innate characteristics of a person or thing which will always tend to manifest, especially in contrast to specific contexts, reason, religious duty, upbringing, and personal pretense or effort.
   • Vliss.: ... One touch of nature makes the whole world kin,
     That all with one consent praise new-borne gaudes,
     Though they are made and moulded of things past,
     And goe to dust, that is a little guilt,
     More laud then guilt ore-dusted.c. 1606 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Macbeth”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount...

   Synonyms:

   essence

3. The distinguishing characteristic of a person or thing, understood as its general class, sort, type, etc.
   • For the French, it was impossible for them to serve her in that nature.1626 July 12, Charles I, Instructions
4. (UK, obsolete) Synonym of caliber: the class of a gun.
   • ...One Hundred of each Nature of Case-Shot...1828, James Morton Spearman, The British Gunner, page 130

   Synonyms:

   caliber

5. The vital functions or strength of someone or something, especially (now dialect) as requiring nourishment or careful maintenance or (medicine) as a force of regeneration without special treatment.
   • Any such corrasiue, sharpe or eager medicine... as the said H. shal think his nature is vnable to suffer...1592, William West, Symbolaeography, Pt. I, §102b
6. The need to urinate and defecate.
   • He withdrew from the Company to ease Nature.1701, William Wotton, The History of Rome, page 328

See all 12 meanings of nature