noun
Uncommon
nu
nyoo
Nu (noun) means the thirteenth letter of the Greek alphabet (Ν, ν). Example: “The variable nu is often used in physics to represent frequency.”
noun
1
The thirteenth letter of the Greek alphabet (Ν, ν).
"The variable nu is often used in physics to represent frequency."
How to use nu
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA Greek letter, often seen in maths and science formulas.
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Word forms
- Plural
- nus
- Comparative
- more nu
- Superlative
- most nu
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The variable _____ is often used in physics to represent frequency.
Etymology
From Ancient Greek nu, the name of the letter.
Frequently asked questions
What does “nu” mean?
The word “nu” means the thirteenth letter of the Greek alphabet (Ν, ν). In plain terms, a Greek letter, often seen in maths and science formulas.
How do you pronounce “nu”?
“Nu” is pronounced nyoo (/nu/ in IPA).
How do you use “nu” in a sentence?
Here is “nu” used in a sentence: “The variable nu is often used in physics to represent frequency.”
What part of speech is “nu”?
“Nu” is a noun.
Where does the word “nu” come from?
The word “nu” comes from Ancient Greek. From Ancient Greek nu, the name of the letter.
Is “nu” a common word?
“Nu” is an uncommon word in modern English.
Where does the letter nu fall in the Greek alphabet?
Nu is the thirteenth letter of the Greek alphabet, written as Ν in its capital form and ν in lowercase. It sits between mu and xi in the standard sequence.
What is nu used for outside the Greek alphabet?
In mathematics and physics, the lowercase nu (ν) is commonly used as a symbol, for example to represent frequency in physics or a variable in statistics. In these contexts it functions purely as a symbol rather than carrying its original alphabetic meaning.
Is nu related to the English letter N?
Yes, nu is the historical ancestor of the Latin letter N, since the Roman alphabet borrowed and adapted many Greek letters. The shape and sound of nu closely correspond to the English N.
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