nor
UK[nɔː(r)]US[nɔːr]
conj
Used before the second or further of two or more alternatives (after 'neither') to indicate that they are each untrue or each do not happen.
conj
Used to introduce a further negative statement.
Etymology
The word 'nor' emerged in Middle English as a contraction of the phrase 'nother', which was itself a reduced form of 'not other' or a variant of 'neither'. Its ultimate origin lies in Old English 'nāhwæðer', meaning 'neither', a compound of 'nā' (no, not) and 'hwæðer' (which of two). Over time, through phonetic erosion and functional specialization, 'nother' split into two distinct conjunctions: 'nor' and 'neither'. 'Nor' became the standard particle used to connect a second or subsequent negative alternative, especially following 'neither', solidifying its role in English grammar as a negative coordinator.
Analysis
The word 'nor' is a simplex word, a contraction of the Middle English phrase 'nother', itself a reduced form of 'not other' or 'neither'. It functions as a negative coordinating conjunction.
Examples
The movie was neither funny nor entertaining.
He did not call, nor did he send a message.
I have never been to Paris, nor do I have any plans to go.