nidus

ni·dus

noun \ˈnī-dəs\

plural ni·di\ˈnī-ˌdī\ or ni·dus·es

Definition of NIDUS

1

: a nest or breeding place; especially : a place or substance in an animal or plant where bacteria or other organisms lodge and multiply

2

: a place where something originates, develops, or is located

Examples of NIDUS

1. <a type of contact lens that proved to be a nidus of infection>

Origin of NIDUS

New Latin, from Latin

First Known Use: 1742

Related to NIDUS

Synonyms: hotbed, hothouse, nest, breeding ground, nursery, seedbed, seminary

Related Words: crucible; base, capital, center, core, cynosure, eye, focus, heart, hub, mecca, nucleus, seat; focus, headquarters

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Rhymes with NIDUS

Cnidus, Midas