Nan

¹ American  

[nan] / næn /

noun

1. a word formerly used in communications to represent the letter N.

2. a female given name.

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nan- ² American  

1. variant of nano- before a vowel.

   nanoid.

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nan British  

/ næn, ˈnænə /

noun

1. a child's words for grandmother

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Usage

What does nan- mean? Nan- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “very small, minute.” In names of units of measure, it means "one billionth." It is very occasionally used in scientific and technical terms. Nan- comes from Greek nânos or nánnos, meaning “dwarf.”What are variants of nan-?Nan- is a variant of nano-, which loses its -o- when combined with words or word elements beginning with vowels. Want to know more? Read our Words That Use nano- article.

Etymology

Origin of nan

see _nanny ; compare Greek nanna aunt, Medieval Latin nonna old woman

Example Sentences

The upper house, meanwhile, elected Nan Ni Ni Aye, a regional MP from Karen state with USDP, as another vice-president, the junta said in a statement.

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

“The trend is clear: In recent years, the excess return in the private market has been diminishing,” says Nan Zhang, global head of State Street’s private capital index.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 5, 2025

"They call her Nan or Mrs Chicken or Mum," Ms Sutton said.

From BBC • Jul. 21, 2025

Strawberries come from Chiang Dao, lime skin from Nan and Makwaen Northern Thai pepper from the hill tribe communities around Chiang Rai.

From Salon • Jun. 15, 2025

One was of a Big Bird birthday cake and my dad singing loud, Nan and Momma laughing and covering their ears.

From "Hope Springs" by Jaime Berry