Main Entry:

ni·sus

Pronunciation:

\ˈnī-səs\

Function:

noun

Inflected Form(s):

plural ni·sus \-səs, -ˌsüs\

Etymology:

Latin, from niti to lean, rely, strive; akin to Latin nictare to wink — more at connive

Date:

1699

: a mental or physical effort to attain an end : a perfective urge or endeavor