nail

[[t]neɪl[/t]]

n.

1) a slender, rod-shaped piece of metal, typically having a pointed tip and a flattened head, made to be hammered into wood or other material as a fastener or support

2) a thin, horny plate, consisting of modified epidermis, growing on the upper side of the end of a finger or toe

3) a former measure of length for cloth, equal to 2¼ in. (6.4 cm)

4) to fasten with a nail or nails

5) to enclose or shut by nailing (often fol. by up)

6) to keep firmly in one place or position

7) Informal.

to catch or seize

8) to accomplish perfectly:

the only gymnast to nail the dismount[/ex]

9) phv nail down, to make final; settle once and for all

•

- hit the nail on the head nail in someone's or something's coffin

Etymology: bef. 900; (n.) ME nayl(l), OE nægl, c. OFris neil, OOHG nagal (G Nagel), ON nagl fingernail; akin to OIringen, Lunguis, Gkónyx