nail
14
9.9
- noun
- /neɪl/
- Archaic
:
nail (unidad arcaica de longitud)
- The old tailor measured the fabric carefully, using a nail to ensure precision.
Examples
-
In historical measurements, a nail was often used in the textile industry.
-
A nail is equal to 1/16 of a yard, which is about 2 1/4 inches.
-
A nail in the tub.
-
These companies fight tooth and nail against labeling.
-
We see his hand as he delicately applies a coat of clear polish to a nail.
Fiction book (1996)
Idioms
People criticize and pressure those who stand out to be like everyone else
Compounds
40
1.8
A colored or clear paint you put on fingernails and toenails to give them color and shine
- Informal
7
5.2
A situation that makes people very nervous because the result is uncertain
- Informal
3
4.2
Making you feel very nervous and excited while you wait to see what happens
- UK
1
2.7
A colored or clear liquid you put on nails to make them look shiny and protect them
- Specialized
1
6.4
A nail about three inches long used for holding pieces of wood together
- Specialized
A small metal pin about one and a half inches long that holds pieces of wood together
- Offensive
Taking out a person's fingernails or toenails to hurt them during torture
- Australian
A small kangaroo-like animal with a hard nail at the tip of its tail
- Specialized
A thin metal strip with sharp points that you hammer to join wooden boards
Surface Forms
Etymology
Nail as a small measure of cloth comes from the practice of making a small mark or put a tiny nail on the measuring stick, so a 'nail' became a short, fixed length used by tailors and cloth sellers.