Definition of nauseous

The origin of the word "nauseous" can be traced back to the Middle English period, during the 14th century. At that time, the word was spelled "nous" and meant "sickness" or "uneasiness," particularly of the stomach. The origin of this term can be traced to the Latin "nausea," which came from the Greek "naus" ("nautikos"), meaning "a ship," because sailors would often become seasick, vomiting and feeling uneasy while at sea. Over time, the meaning of "nauseous" evolved to refer not only to sickness related to the stomach but also to other forms of unpleasantness or disgust. Today, "nauseous" is typically used to describe a feeling of sickness or revulsion in response to something revolting, uncomfortable, or unpleasant. The spelling of "nauseous" itself has changed over time. In the 15th century, the word was spelled "nawes" in Middle English, and it was later spelled "nawis" and "nosis" in Early Modern English. It wasn't until the 18th century that the modern spelling of "nauseous" became popular. Overall, the origin and evolution of the word "nauseous" highlight how language can evolve and change over time, as it takes on new meanings and acquires new spellings as it is used in different contexts and by different speakers.