Main Entry: ¹nest

Pronunciation: \ˈnest\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old High German nest nest, Latin nidus

Date: before 12th century

1 a : a bed or receptacle prepared by an animal and especially a bird for its eggs and young b : a place or specially modified structure serving as an abode of animals and especially of their immature stages <an ants' nest> c : a receptacle resembling a bird's nest
2 a : a place of rest, retreat, or lodging : home <grown children who have left the nest> b : den, hangout
3 : the occupants or frequenters of a nest
4 a : a group of similar things <a nest of giant mountains — Helen MacInnes> b : hotbed 2 <a nest of rebellion>
5 : a group of objects made to fit close together or one within another
6 : an emplaced group of weapons