Collins English-English Dictionary

nail [neɪl]

1. 1. n a fastening device usually made from round or oval wire, having a point at one end and a head at the other

2. 2. n anything resembling such a fastening device, esp in function or shape

3. 3. n the horny plate covering part of the dorsal surface of the fingers or toes - See fingernail toenail

4. 4. n the claw of a mammal, bird, or reptile

5. 5. n [slang] a hypodermic needle, used for injecting drugs

6. 6. n a unit of length, formerly used for measuring cloth, equal to two and a quarter inches

7. 7. vt. [tr] to attach with or as if with nails

8. 8. vt. [informal] to arrest or seize

9. 9. vt. [informal] to hit or bring down, as with a shot

   I nailed the sniper

10. 10. vt. [informal] to expose or detect (a lie or liar)

11. 11. vt. to fix or focus (one's eyes, attention, etc) on an object

12. 12. vt. to stud with nails

13. 13. vt. See also nail down nail up

14. 14. vt. [Etymology] Old English nægl; related to Old High German nagal nail, Latin unguis fingernail, claw, Greek onux