Main Entry:

na·ture

Pronunciation:

\ˈnā-chər\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin natura, from natus, past participle of nasci to be born — more at nation

Date:

14th century

1 a: the inherent character or basic constitution of a person or thing : essence b: disposition, temperament2 a: a creative and controlling force in the universe b: an inner force or the sum of such forces in an individual3: a kind or class usually distinguished by fundamental or essential characteristics <documents of a confidential nature> <acts of a ceremonial nature>4: the physical constitution or drives of an organism ; especially : an excretory organ or function —used in phrases like the call of nature5: a spontaneous attitude (as of generosity)6: the external world in its entirety7 a: humankind's original or natural condition b: a simplified mode of life resembling this condition8: the genetically controlled qualities of an organism9: natural scenery

synonyms see type