A decree nisi is a legal term used in the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth countries. It is an order issued by a court that is not yet legally binding, but will become so unless an objection is raised within a certain period of time. The term 'nisi' is derived from the Latin phrase 'nisi prius, ' which means 'unless before.' A decree nisi is typically used in divorce proceedings, where it is issued to confirm that the court has accepted the divorce petition and that the marriage will be dissolved unless an objection is raised.