nail
1. nail \'na--(*)l\ n [ME, fr. OE ngl; akin to OHG nagal nail,
fingernail, L ] often attrib unguis fingernail, toenail, claw, Gk onyx 1a:
a horny sheath protecting the upper end of each finger and toe of man a nd
most other primates 1b: a corresponding structure (as a claw) terminating a
digit 2: a slender usu. pointed and headed fastener designed to be pounded
in 3: an English unit of 1/16 yard
2. nail vt 1: to fasten with or as if with a nail 2: to fix in steady
attention {~ed his eye on the crack} 3: CATCH, TRAP; esp : to detect and
expose so as to di scredit 4a: STRIKE, HIT 4b: to put out (a runner) in
baseball - nail.er n