nexus
Americannoun
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a means of connection; tie; link.
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a connected series or group.
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the core or center, as of a matter or situation.
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Cell Biology. a specialized area of the cell membrane involved in intercellular communication and adhesion.
noun
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a means of connection between members of a group or things in a series; link; bond
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a connected group or series
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of nexus
First recorded in 1655–65; from Latin nexus “a binding, joining, fastening,” noun use of past participle of nectere “to bind, join, tie”
Explanation
A nexus is a central link or connection. If you happen to be at the nexus of something, you are right in the middle of it, like standing in the middle of an intersection. Nexus entered English during the 17th century from the Latin word nectere, meaning "to bind or tie." People tend to use this word to describe the point where different things or ideas come together or intersect. In the field of cell biology, a nexus refers to a specialized area of the cell membrane that facilitates communication and adhesion between adjacent cells. By allowing ions and molecules to pass through, these nexuses ensure that tissues can function as a coordinated unit.
Vocabulary lists containing nexus
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The latest rise came as SpaceX announced it will acquire artificial intelligence coding startup Cursor for $60 billion, a deal designed to further cement the Texas-based company near the nexus of the AI boom.
From Barron's • Jun. 16, 2026
That puts McLeod at the heart of The Fellowship’s Michigan nexus.
From Salon • Jun. 9, 2026
And Rossetti isn’t alone in seeing a spiritual nexus of a topic that, at least in secular circles, is more commonly discussed in the context of aliens.
From Slate • Jun. 8, 2026
“Rare earths represent a strategic nexus where national and energy security, and technological supremacy, converge,” said Serra Verde CEO Thras Moraitis.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 20, 2026
To people like Jud and Frank, who were there every time the doors opened, it was the nexus of the universe.
From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
