noun
Uncommon
nexus
NEHK-suhs
Nexus (noun) means a connection or link between things, people, or ideas. Example: “The city has become a nexus for tech startups and investors.”
noun
1
A connection or link between things, people, or ideas.
"The city has become a nexus for tech startups and investors."
"Researchers are studying the nexus between diet and mental health."
"The town is a nexus of road, rail and river trade."
2
A connected group, network, or cluster.
"The report mapped out a whole nexus of shell companies."
"Police uncovered a nexus of small businesses that were all secretly linked."
"A nexus of friends and relatives ran the village shop."
How to use nexus
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA central point where things connect, or the connection itself.
Common pairings
nexus between
a nexus of
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Word forms
- Plural
- nexuses, nexusses, nexi, nexii
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The city has become a _____ for tech startups and investors.
Etymology
From Latin nexus, "a binding together, connection," from the verb nectere, "to tie or bind."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for nexus
See all rhymes for nexus →Frequently asked questions
What does “nexus” mean?
The word “nexus” means a connection or link between things, people, or ideas. In plain terms, a central point where things connect, or the connection itself.
How do you pronounce “nexus”?
“Nexus” is pronounced NEHK-suhs (/ˈnɛksəs/ in IPA).
How do you use “nexus” in a sentence?
Here is “nexus” used in a sentence: “The city has become a nexus for tech startups and investors.”
What part of speech is “nexus”?
“Nexus” is a noun.
Where does the word “nexus” come from?
The word “nexus” comes from Latin. From Latin nexus, "a binding together, connection," from the verb nectere, "to tie or bind.".
Is “nexus” a common word?
“Nexus” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “nexus” have?
“Nexus” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a connection or link between things, people, or ideas.
What is the difference between a nexus and a network?
A nexus typically refers to a central connecting point or link between things, people, or ideas, while a network refers to the broader interconnected system as a whole. A nexus can be thought of as a hub within a network, the point where connections converge.
Is nexus a formal or technical-sounding word?
Nexus tends to sound more formal or academic than everyday words like "link" or "connection," and it appears often in legal, business, and academic writing. It is understood in general use but is less common in casual conversation.
Can nexus refer to a place as well as an abstract connection?
Yes, nexus can describe a connected group, network, or cluster, which can apply to a physical location, such as a city that serves as a transportation nexus, as well as an abstract connection between ideas or people.
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