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
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 nexus between energy security and national security has become ever more entwined.
From Salon • May 21, 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
It has been the nexus of my social life for over 20 years, and is simply irreplaceable.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026
In a book full of bold medical claims, the most striking may be Mr. Gifford’s discussion of a potential nexus between heat and depression.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 16, 2026
They had consistently been ranked in the top four for years and formed the nexus of the team, leaving the other two spots open for wildcards like me.
From "Proud" by Ibtihaj Muhammad
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.
