nous

[noos, nous]

noun

1. Greek Philosophy.,  mind or intellect.

2. Philosophy.,  (inNeoplatonism ) the first and purest emanation of the One, regarded as the self-contemplating order of the universe.

nous

/ naʊs /

noun

1. metaphysics mind or reason, esp when regarded as the principle governing all things

2. slang,  common sense; intelligence

Word History and Origins

Origin of nous¹

First recorded in 1670–80; from Greek noûs, contracted variant of nóos “mind”

Word History and Origins

Origin of nous¹

C17: from Greek, literally: mind

Example Sentences

"They have also got the nous. They are brilliantly led by Sam Billings."

From BBC

The neat dovetailing of Tatyana Heard and Megan Jones – a centre partnership that combines power, pace and nous – will have been particularly pleasing.

From BBC

West Ham have got enough nous to deal with the atmosphere at the Stadium of Light, and leave with three points.

From BBC

Without him as captain, they lose his tactical nous and sense of focus.

From BBC

Itoje is also in the pantheon - a lock who wreaks havoc with his power, his nous and his strategic brilliance.

From BBC