Nux vomica, nuks vom′ik-a, n. the seed of an East Indian tree, from which the powerful poison known as strychnine is obtained. [L. nux, a nut, vomicus, from vomĕre, to vomit.]
Nuzzer, nuz′ėr, n. a present made to a superior. [Ind.]
Nuzzle, nuz′l, v.i. to rub the nose against: to fondle closely, to cuddle: to nurse or rear.—v.t. to touch with the nose: to go with the nose toward the ground.—Also Nous′le. [A freq. verb from nose.]
Nyanza, ni-an′za, n. a sheet of water, marsh, the river feeding a lake. [Afr.]
Nyas. See Eyas.
Nyctala, nik′ta-la, n. a genus of owls of family Strigidæ.
Nyctalopia, nik-ta-lō′pi-a, n. the defective vision of persons who can see in a faint light but not in bright daylight: sometimes applied to the opposite defect, inability to see save in a strong daylight—also Nyc′talopy.—n. Nyc′talops, one affected with nyctalopia. [Gr. nyktalōps, seeing by night only—nyx, nyktos, night, ōps, vision.]
Nyctitropism, nik′ti-trō-pizm, n. the so-called sleep of plants, the habit of taking at night certain positions unlike those during the day.—adj. Nyctitrop′ic. [Gr. nyx, night, tropos, a turn.]
Nylghau, nil′gaw, n. a large species of antelope, in North Hindustan, the males of which are of a bluish colour. [Pers. níl gáw—níl, blue, gáw, ox, cow.]
Nymph, nimf, n. a young and beautiful maiden: (myth.) one of the beautiful goddesses who inhabited mountains, rivers, trees, &c.—adjs. Nymph′al, relating to nymphs; Nymphē′an, pertaining to nymphs: inhabited by nymphs; Nymph′ic, -al, pertaining to nymphs; Nymph′ish, Nymph′ly, nymph-like; Nymph′-like.—ns. Nymph′olepsy, a species of ecstasy or frenzy said to have seized those who had seen a nymph; Nymph′olept, a person in frenzy.—adj. Nympholept′ic.—ns. Nymphomā′nia, morbid and uncontrollable sexual desire in women; Nymphomā′niac, a woman affected with the foregoing.—adjs. Nymphomā′niac, -al. [Fr.,—L. nympha—Gr. nymphē, a bride.]