English dictionary



Info: This web site is based on WordNet 3.0 from Princeton University.

English noun: nail

1. nail (body) horny plate covering and protecting part of the dorsal surface of the digits


Broader (hypernym)horny structure, unguis


Narrower (hyponym)fingernail, toenail


Part holonymhalf-moon, lunula, lunule, matrix


Part meronymdactyl, digit, integumentary system

2. nail (artifact) a thin pointed piece of metal that is hammered into materials as a fastener


Broader (hypernym)fastener, fastening, fixing, holdfast


Narrower (hyponym)brad, clout, clout nail, doornail, eightpenny nail, fourpenny nail, hobnail, sixpenny nail, spike, staple, stub nail, tack, tenpenny nail


Part holonymclinch, head, nailhead, shank, stem

3. nail (quantity) a former unit of length for cloth equal to 1/16 of a yard


Broader (hypernym)linear measure, linear unit


English verb: nail

1. nail (contact) attach something somewhere by means of nails


SamplesNail the board onto the wall.


Pattern of useSomebody ----s something PP


Broader (hypernym)attach

2. nail (contact) take into custody


SamplesThe police nabbed the suspected criminals.


Synonymsapprehend, arrest, collar, cop, nab, pick up


Pattern of useSomebody ----s somebody


Broader (hypernym)clutch, prehend, seize

3. nail (contact) hit hard


SamplesHe smashed a 3-run homer.


Synonymsblast, boom, smash


Pattern of useSomebody ----s something.
Somebody ----s somebody


Broader (hypernym)hit

4. nail (social) succeed in obtaining a position


SamplesHe nailed down a spot at Harvard.


Synonymsnail down, peg


Pattern of useSomebody ----s something


Broader (hypernym)bring home the bacon, come through, deliver the goods, succeed, win

5. nail (social) succeed at easily


SamplesShe sailed through her exams.
You will pass with flying colors.
She nailed her astrophysics course.


Synonymsace, breeze through, pass with flying colors, sail through, sweep through


Pattern of useSomebody ----s something


Broader (hypernym)make it, pass

6. nail (possession) locate exactly


SamplesCan you pinpoint the position of the enemy?.
The chemists could not nail the identity of the chromosome.


Synonymspinpoint


Pattern of useSomebody ----s something.
Something ----s something.
Somebody ----s somebody PP.
Somebody ----s something PP


Broader (hypernym)locate, turn up

7. nail (competition) complete a pass


Synonymscomplete


Pattern of useSomebody ----s something


Broader (hypernym)play


Domain categoryfootball, football game









Based on WordNet 3.0 copyright © Princeton University.
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