<p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>the material world, especially as surrounding humankind and existing independently of human activities</li><li>the natural world as it exists without human beings or civilization: In nature, wild dogs hunt in packs</li><li>the elements of the natural world, as mountains, trees, animals, or rivers: The abandoned power plant was reclaimed by nature, covered in overgrowth and home to feral animals</li><li>natural scenery: Tourists at the resort are surrounded by nature</li><li>the universe, with all its phenomena: Conservation of energy is a universal law of nature</li><li>the sum total of the forces at work throughout the universe</li><li>reality, as distinguished from any effect of art: a portrait true to nature</li><li>the particular combination of qualities belonging to a person, animal, thing, or class by birth, origin, or constitution; native or inherent character: human nature</li><li>the instincts or inherent tendencies directing conduct: a man of good nature</li><li>character, kind, or sort: two books of the same nature</li><li>characteristic disposition; temperament: an evil nature</li><li>a self-willed nature; an evil nature</li><li>the original, natural, uncivilized condition of humankind</li><li>the biological functions or the urges to satisfy their requirements</li><li>a primitive, wild condition; an uncultivated state</li><li>a simple, uncluttered mode of life without the conveniences or distractions of civilization: a return to nature</li><li>(initial capital letter, italics) a prose work (1836), by Ralph Waldo Emerson, expounding transcendentalism</li><li>Theology: the moral state as unaffected by grace</li></ul><p><strong>Adjective</strong></p><ul><li>for or lasting a lifetime; lifelong: a life membership in a club; life imprisonment</li><li>of or relating to animate existence: the life force; life functions</li><li>working from nature or using a living model: a life drawing; a life class in oil painting</li></ul>