Nixus
/ˈnɪk.səs/noun
A strenuous effort or act of straining, especially the bearing-down effort during childbirth.
Did you know?In medical Latin, *nixus* could describe the powerful bearing-down effort of labor, linking the word to the physical act of bringing new life into the world.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*ney-
“To lean upon, press against, or strive; a reconstructed root underlying Latin forms of exertion.”
Classical Latin
Latin
nītor
“I lean upon; I rely on; I strive or exert myself.”
Classical Latin
Latin
nīxus
“Having exerted oneself, strained, or pressed forward; the masculine form of the perfect participle of *nītor*.”
Medieval Latin
Latin
nixus
“Effort, exertion, or straining, including physical bearing-down.”
19th Century
English
nixus
“A specialized medical term for muscular effort, particularly the expulsive effort of childbirth.”
Modern English
English
nixus
“A rare technical noun meaning strenuous effort or the act of straining.”