1
: the external world in its entirety
2
: natural scenery
enjoyed the beauties of nature
3
a
: disposition, temperament
it was his nature to look after others—F. A. Swinnerton
her romantic nature
b
: the inherent character or basic constitution (see constitution sense 2) of a person or thing : essence
the nature of the controversy
4
a
: humankind's original or natural condition
b
: a simplified mode of life resembling this condition
escape from civilization and get back to nature
5
: a kind or class usually distinguished by fundamental or essential characteristics
documents of a confidential nature
acts of a ceremonial nature
6
: the physical constitution or drives of an organism
especially
: an excretory organ or function
—used in phrases like the call of nature
7
: the genetically controlled qualities of an organism
nature … modified by nurture—E. G. Conklin
8
a
: a creative and controlling force in the universe
b
: an inner force (such as instinct, appetite, desire) or the sum of such forces in an individual
9
: a spontaneous attitude (as of generosity)
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
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