nexus

noun

nex·​us ˈnek-səs How to pronounce nexus (audio)
plural nexuses ˈnek-sə-səz How to pronounce nexus (audio) or nexus ˈnek-səs How to pronounce nexus (audio)
-ˌsüs
1
: connection, link
the nexus between teachers and students
also : a causal link
the nexus between poverty and crime
2
: a connected group or series
a nexus of theories
a nexus of relationships
3
: center, focus
The bookstore has become something of a nexus for the downtown neighborhood.Jane Smiley

Did you know?

If you’re unfamiliar with the word nexus, the popular, long-running video game series The Legend of Zelda may provide an object lesson in its several definitions (and if you’re unfamiliar with the games, we will explain). When nexus came into English in the 17th century, it meant “connection” or “link.” Eventually, people began using it to refer to a connected group or series of things, as in “a nexus of relationships.” In recent decades it has taken on a third meaning: “center” or “hub,” perhaps from the notion that a point in the center of an arrangement serves to join together the objects that surround it. Now, one might plausibly say that the 20 Zelda games (not counting remakes and spin-offs) themselves form a nexus, as each represents an installment in a long, twisty saga with numerous echoes and callbacks to other games in the series. Most of these feature the fictional land of Hyrule, which often presents magical nexuses to shadowy alternate dimensions (1991’s A Link to the Past), the past (2011’s Skyward Sword), or the underworld (2023’s Tears of the Kingdom) that the hero, Link (ahem) must traverse. As for nexus’s third meaning, Hyrule’s map is nearly always situated around a central nexus, or hub, in the form of the castle where the titular Zelda lives. (If you’re into gaming or curious about its lingo, don’t miss the article “Popular Gaming Terms Explained”).

Examples of nexus in a Sentence

the oft-repeated claim that any person on the planet can be connected to any other person through a nexus of six relationships as the nexus for three great religions, Jerusalem has had a troubled as well as illustrious history
Recent Examples on the Web The issue occupies a key nexus where the bread-and-butter concerns of workers meet the larger goals of social justice. Jim Miller, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Mar. 2024 Though this island is a nexus for cruise ships, Abercrombie and Kent tries to dock early in the morning, getting in before the other big vessels. Jeanine Barone, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024 Thaksin has been at the heart of a two-decade power struggle between the Shinawatra family and its clique of capitalist upstarts, and a nexus of royalists, generals and old-money families that have long wielded influence over Thai governments and institutions. Reuters, NBC News, 19 Feb. 2024 Thailand’s turbulent political history has previously seen parties that have pushed for change run afoul of the powerful establishment – a nexus of the military, monarchy and influential elites. Helen Regan, CNN, 31 Jan. 2024 Gilbert was the nexus for attacks, but others occurred in Mesa and San Tan Valley. Robert Anglen, The Arizona Republic, 22 Jan. 2024 The nexus between showbiz and politics is as old as showbiz itself. Doug McIntyre, Orange County Register, 25 Feb. 2024 Comparison: States such as Texas require candidates to demonstrate state residency or have a nexus to the state, such as employment, before applying for the exam. Bryce Welker, Miami Herald, 19 Feb. 2024 Allen defended the legislation and said any suggestion that those laws have a direct nexus to the crime increase are misguided. Meagan Flynn, Washington Post, 18 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'nexus.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from nectere to bind

First Known Use

1663, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of nexus was in 1663

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Dictionary Entries Near nexus

Cite this Entry

“Nexus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nexus. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

nexus

noun
nex·​us ˈnek-səs How to pronounce nexus (audio)
plural nexuses -sə-səz How to pronounce nexus (audio) or nexus -səs, -ˌsüs How to pronounce nexus (audio)
1
: a connection or link
2
: a connected group or series

Legal Definition

nexus

noun
nex·​us ˈnek-səs How to pronounce nexus (audio)
plural nexuses or nexus -səs, -ˌsüs How to pronounce nexus (audio)
: a connection or link between things, persons, or events especially that is or is part of a chain of causation
Etymology

Latin, bond, tie, from nectere to bind

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