Word library

Words starting with N

49 words from the news, each with a definition, etymology, and the story behind it.

nadir

The lowest or most unsuccessful point in a situation, decline, or development.

Technology

naltrexone

A medication used to treat alcohol use disorder by reducing cravings for alcohol.

Health

namesake

A person, company, or brand that has the same name as another person or entity.

Business

nanoscience

The branch of science concerned with the study, manipulation, and engineering of matter…

Science

nanoscopy

The branch of science and advanced imaging techniques used to observe and manipulate…

Science

nanotechnology

The branch of technology that deals with the engineering and manipulation of matter on an…

Science

nanowire

A microscopic conductive filament, typically only a few nanometers in diameter, used here…

Science

narcissism

An excessive sense of self-importance and a preoccupation with one's own needs, often…

Psychology

narcoterrorist

A term used by government officials to describe individuals or groups alleged to be…

World

nationalisation

The process of a government taking ownership and control of private assets, industries,…

Politics

nearshoring

The business practice of transferring operations, such as manufacturing or technology…

Technology

nebula

A historical term formerly used by astronomers to describe any fuzzy, cloud-like object…

Science

nectar

A delicious or sweet drink, often used humorously to refer to a favorite beverage.

Culture

negation

The act of proving that a concept, theory, or belief is false or non-existent.

Science

nemesis

A long-standing and formidable rival or opponent whom one finds difficult to defeat or…

Politics

neophobia

A psychological trait characterized by an persistent reluctance or anxiety toward trying…

Health

neoplasm

An abnormal, uncontrolled growth of tissue in the body, which may be benign or malignant.

Health

nephrology

The branch of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases related to…

Health

nepotism

The unfair practice of those with power or influence favoring relatives or friends by…

World

neurochemistry

The scientific study of the chemical processes and substances that occur within the…

Psychology

neurocognition

The mental processes and cognitive functions, such as memory, attention, and executive…

Health

neurodegeneration

The progressive loss of structure or function of neurons in the brain or nervous system,…

Science

neurodevelopment

The biological process of growth, maturation, and physical changes in an infant's nervous…

Psychology

neurodiversity

The concept that neurological differences, such as autism, should be recognized and…

Psychology

neuroimaging

The use of advanced medical technology, such as MRI or PET scans, to visualize the…

Health

neuropsychologist

A psychologist who specializes in the study and treatment of the relationship between the…

Psychology

neuroscience

The scientific study of the nervous system, particularly as it relates to understanding…

Health

neurosis

A historical psychological term referring to various mental or emotional…

Psychology

neurosurgery

The specialized medical field focused on the surgical treatment of disorders affecting…

Technology

neurotechnology

The field of science and engineering focused on developing tools and systems that…

Science

neurotransmitter

A chemical messenger in the brain that transmits signals across a synapse from one neuron…

Psychology

neutrino

An extremely small, electrically neutral subatomic particle that passes through ordinary…

Science

nexus

A central point, connection, or series of connections linking two or more things together.

World

nirvana

A state of supreme culinary or cultural perfection and fulfillment.

Culture

nitrate

A chemical compound containing nitrogen and oxygen that acts as an essential nutrient for…

Science

nocebo

A phenomenon where a patient's negative expectations or suggestions about a treatment…

Psychology

noncitizen

A person residing in a country who does not hold legal citizenship or the status of a…

Politics

noncompliance

The failure or refusal to follow specific rules, regulations, or requirements set by an…

Sports

nondiscrimination

A formal policy or principle ensuring that individuals are treated fairly and without…

Technology

nonghyun

A traditional Korean musical technique characterized by vibrating or oscillating a string…

Culture

nonstarter

An idea, plan, or proposal that has no chance of succeeding or being accepted, typically…

World

noradrenaline

A neurotransmitter and hormone, also known as norepinephrine, that functions as a key…

Health

noraebang

A Korean-style karaoke establishment or a private room equipped with karaoke technology…

Culture

nosology

The branch of medical science that deals with the systematic classification and naming of…

Health

numerology

The study of the supposed mystical or divine relationship between numbers and events,…

Psychology

nuncio

A permanent diplomatic representative of the Pope to a foreign government or church.

World

nurturance

The quality of providing care, protection, and support to others, often associated with…

Psychology

nutraceuticals

Products derived from food sources that provide extra health benefits beyond basic…

Health

nymph

A mythological spirit of nature imagined as a beautiful maiden inhabiting rivers, woods,…

Culture