Topic: TECHNOLOGY
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| Language: | Old English |
| Origin: | nægl |
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nail1 S3
[countable]
[countable]1TD a thin pointed piece of metal with a flat top, which you hit into a surface with a hammer, for example to join things together or to hang something on : 
The key was hanging on a nail by the door.
The key was hanging on a nail by the door.2HBH your nails are the hard smooth layers on the ends of your fingers and toes : He still had dirt under his nails. ➔ fingernail, toenail
He still had dirt under his nails.3 one of several bad things which help to destroy someone's success or hopes :
nail in somebody's/something's coffin
4 very tough and not easily frightened, or not caring about the effects of your actions on other people
