nape
[ neyp, nap ]
/ neɪp, næp /
noun
the back of the neck (usually used in the phrase nape of the neck).
Nearby words
- nap,
- napa,
- napaeae,
- napalm,
- napata,
- naperville,
- napery,
- naphtali,
- naphtalite,
- naphth-
Origin of nape
Middle English word dating back to 1300–50
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for nape
British Dictionary definitions for nape (1 of 2)
nape
1/ (neɪp) /
noun
the back of the neckRelated adjective: nuchal
Word Origin for nape
C13: of unknown origin
British Dictionary definitions for nape (2 of 2)
nape
2/ (neɪp) /
verb
(tr) US military slang to attack with napalm
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for nape
nape
"back of the neck," c.1300, of unknown origin, perhaps from Old French hanap "a goblet," in reference to the hollow at the base of the skull. "The entire absence of forms with initial k makes it difficult to connect the word with the apparently synonymous OFris (hals) knap [OED].
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
Medicine definitions for nape
nape
[ nāp, năp ]
n.
The back of the neck.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.