nexus

[ nek-suhs ]

noun

, plural nex·us·es, nex·us.

1. a means of connection; tie; link.
2. a connected series or group.
3. the core or center, as of a matter or situation.
4. Cell Biology. a specialized area of the cell membrane involved in intercellular communication and adhesion.

nexus

/ ˈnɛksəs /

noun

1. a means of connection between members of a group or things in a series; link; bond
2. a connected group or series

Word History and Origins

Origin of nexus¹

First recorded in 1655–65; from Latin nexus “a binding, joining, fastening,” noun use of past participle of nectere “to bind, join, tie”

Word History and Origins

Origin of nexus¹

C17: from Latin: a binding together, from nectere to bind

Example Sentences

The comedian addresses a controversy spurred by a New Yorker article last year, and the nexus of politics and race, particularly when it comes to a group he calls “Beige-istan,” in his new stand-up special.

From Los Angeles Times

“Toy Story of Terror” from 2013, originally produced at the corporate nexus of Disney, Pixar and ABC, offers a delightful meta take on horror tropes — rainy night, roadside motel, characters imprudently wandering off.

From Los Angeles Times

He served as student body president at Dominguez High, as Compton was turning into a nexus of Black life, and focused his first major college paper on the city’s transformation.

From Los Angeles Times

For Lee, the issues plaguing her physical health found a nexus with her mental state.

From Salon

“The Sahel sits at the nexus of some of the world’s most pressing challenges, from climate change to ‘youth bulges’ — significant swaths of young people who are unemployed,” Mr. Clarke said.

From New York Times