Main Entry: ¹nurse

Pronunciation: \ˈnərs\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English norice, norce, nurse, from Anglo-French nurice, from Late Latin nutricia, from Latin, feminine of nutricius nourishing — more at nutritious

Date: 13th century

1 a : a woman who suckles an infant not her own : wet nurse b : a woman who takes care of a young child : dry nurse
2 : one that looks after, fosters, or advises
3 : a person who cares for the sick or infirm; specifically : a licensed health-care professional who practices independently or is supervised by a physician, surgeon, or dentist and who is skilled in promoting and maintaining health — compare licensed practical nurse, registered nurse
4 a : a worker form of a social insect (as an ant or a bee) that cares for the young b : a female mammal used to suckle the young of another