Nail
/neɪl/noun
A small pointed metal fastener, or the hard plate covering the tip of a finger or toe.
Did you know?The English word nail is historically linked to the old Germanic word for a claw or talon, showing how everyday tools often inherit the language of animal weapons.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*nogʰ- / *nekʷ-
“A reconstructed root associated with nails, claws, or sharp points in early Indo-European branches.”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*naglaz
“A nail or claw.”
Old English
OE
næġl
“A nail; also a fingernail or toenail.”
Old Norse
ON
nagli
“A nail or peg.”
Middle English
English
nail
“A metal pin or spike; also the fingernail.”
Modern English
English
nail
“A small metal fastener; the hard keratin plate on fingers and toes.”