nisus

noun

ni·​sus ˈnī-səs 

plural nisus ˈnī-səs 

-ˌsüs

: a mental or physical effort to attain an end : a perfective urge or endeavor

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from niti to lean, rely, strive; akin to Latin nictare to wink — more at connive

First Known Use

1699, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

nisus

noun

ni·​sus ˈnī-səs 

plural nisus -səs, -ˌsüs 

: a mental or physical effort to attain an end