nun
nun (nun) , noun
[Old English nunne, Anglo-Saxon nunne, from Latin nonna nun, nonnus monk; compare Greek {not transcribed}, {not transcribed}; of unknown origin. Compare Nunnery.]
1.
A woman devoted to a religious life, who lives in a convent, under the three vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.
They holy time is quiet as a nun
Breathless with adoration.
2.
(a) (Zoology) A white variety of domestic pigeons having a veil of feathers covering the head.
(b)
(Zoology) The smew.
(c)
(Zoology) The European blue titmouse.
Collocations (2)
Gray nuns (Roman Catholic Church) , the members of a religious order established in Montreal in 1745, whence branches were introduced into the United States in 1853; -- so called from the color or their robe, and known in religion as Sisters of Charity of Montreal.
Nun buoy , See under Buoy.
nun (non or non) , noun
The 14th letter of the Hebrew alphabet, corresponding in pronunciation to n.
nun (non) , noun
The 25th letter of the Arabic alphabet, corresponding in pronunciation to n.