Dictionary  nestPronunciation: (nest), [key] —n. 1. a pocketlike, usually more or less circular structure of twigs, grass, mud, etc., formed by a bird, often high in a tree, as a place in which to lay and incubate its eggs and rear its young; any protected place used by a bird for these purposes. 2. a place used by insects, fishes, turtles, rabbits, etc., for depositing their eggs or young. 3. a number of birds, insects, animals, etc., inhabiting one such place. 4. a snug retreat or refuge; resting place; home. 5. an assemblage of things lying or set close together, as a series of boxes or trays, that fit within each other: a nest of tables. 6. a place where something bad is fostered or flourishes: a nest of vice; a robber's nest. 7. the occupants or frequenters of such a place. —v.t. 1. to settle or place (something) in or as if in a nest: to nest dishes in straw. 2. to fit or place one within another: to nest boxes for more compact storage. —v.i. 1. to build or have a nest: The swallows nested under the eaves. 2. to settle in or as if in a nest. 3. to fit together or within another or one another: bowls that nest easily for storage. 4. to search for or collect nests: to go nesting. 5. Computers.to place a routine inside another routine that is at a higher hierarchical level. Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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