nub

English

Etymology 1

Either directly from Middle Low German, or from knub, from a Middle Low German word (compare Low German Knubbel, Knobbel (“knot; lump”)). Compare knob.

Noun

nub (plural nubs)

1. (obsolete) The innermost section of a chrysalis in a silk cocoon.
2. A small lump or knob.
3. The essence or core of an issue, argument etc.

   What do you think is the nub of the problem?

   • Mark Twain

     Here the narrator bursts into explosion after explosion of thunderous horse-laughter, repeating that nub from time to time through his gaspings and shriekings and suffocatings.

4. (slang) The clitoris.
   • 2007, Melissa MacNeal, Hot for It, ISBN 075821412X, page 198[1]:

     “ — and then rub her nub with the bridge of your nose, right where the nerve will drive her straight to the ceiling!”

   • 2008, Arianna Hart, A Man for Marley, ISBN 1599986388, page 82[2]:

     When he used his fingers to rub her nub, he didn't have to wait anymore. She exploded for the second time that morning,...

   • 2010, Beverly Rae, Wild Cat, ISBN 1609282442, page 81[3]:

     He stroked her, using her movements to increase the pressure on her nub, catching her between his fingers.

Translations

essence or core of an issue, argument etc.

• German: Pointe (de)

Verb

nub (third-person singular simple present nubs, present participle nubbing, simple past and past participle nubbed)

1. (baseball) To hit the ball weakly.
2. To push; to nudge.
3. To beckon.

Etymology 2

Variant spelling of noob.

Noun

nub (plural nubs)

1. (Internet, slang) A noob; a newcomer or incompetent.

   He can't even make himself a peanut butter and jelly sandwich? What a nub.

Anagrams

• bun, BUN