Found 2 items, similar to nisus.
English → English (WordNet) Definition: nisus nisus n : an effortful attempt to attain a goal [syn: striving, pains, strain]
English → English (gcide) Definition: Nisus Nisus \Ni"sus\, n. [L., fr. niti, p. p. nisus, to strive.] 1. A striving; an effort; a conatus. [1913 Webster] A nisus or energizing towards a presented object. --Hickok. [1913 Webster] 2. (Physiol.) (a) The periodic procreative desire manifested in the spring by birds, etc. (b) The contraction of the diaphragm and abdominal muscles to evacuate feces or urine. [Webster 1913 Suppl.]