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• Nan
  Nan

  noun

  a word formerly used in communications to represent the letter N.
• nan-
  nan-

  variant of nano- before a vowel.
• nan
  nan

  noun

  a child's words for grandmother

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 /

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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Nan nan

In one widely read post, Stripe’s head of climate, Nan Ransohoff, called for the sector to “dramatically expand” capacity to field an estimated increase of $50 billion a year.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 14, 2026

And at her introductory press conference, Wooden’s daughter, Nan, sat in the front row.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 6, 2026

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

Tate - as Nan - will also be treating the audience to a musical number.

From BBC ● Mar. 19, 2026

I knew I needed to get back to Nan but didn’t feel like I could take a gift and run.

From "Hope Springs" by Jaime Berry

It was the second time her nan had lived in the bungalow, having bought it back after previously selling it.

From BBC ● Aug. 16, 2026

Sandy McCook, chairman of Nethy Community Council, said he had witnessed a "major flare-up" on Mam Suim, Craig nan Gall and into Strath Nethy on Thursday evening.

From BBC ● Jul. 24, 2026

"When I called my nan, I told her I was okay, but granscha looked like he was drowning and we needed help," Marley said.

From BBC ● Jun. 10, 2026

Her mum cared for her nan, who lived with her when she was younger.

From BBC ● May 24, 2026

“What happened to staying with your nan in White-Leaved Oak?”

From "Black Swan Green" by David Mitchell

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