Noun

(nown,) or SUBSTANTIVE. [ From L. nomen, a name.] (Gram.) A word that denotes any object of which we speak, whether it be animate, inanimate, or ideal; as, bread, mountain, soul. N. form the basis of all language; thus, we call a certain instrument a hammer; the act of using it is hammering; and the verb is to hammer. [s. 653]