innervate

[ ih-nur-veyt, in-er-veyt ]

/ ɪˈnɜr veɪt, ˈɪn ərˌveɪt /

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verb (used with object), in·ner·vat·ed, in·ner·vat·ing.

to communicate nervous energy to; stimulate through nerves.

to furnish with nerves; grow nerves into.

Nearby words

inner-tubing, innermost, innermost intercostal muscle, innersole, innerspring, innervate, innervation, innerve, innerwear, inness, innholder

Origin of innervate

First recorded in 1865–70; in-² + nerve + -ate¹

Can be confused

energize enervate innervate invigorate

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for innervate

Optic ganglia: are at the sides of the procerebrum and innervate the compound eyes.
Explanation of Terms Used in Entomology|John. B. Smith

British Dictionary definitions for innervate

innervate

/ (ˈɪnɜːˌveɪt) /

verb (tr)

to supply nerves to (a bodily organ or part)

to stimulate (a bodily organ or part) with nerve impulses

Derived Forms

innervation, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medicine definitions for innervate

innervate

[ ĭ-nûr′vāt′, ĭn′ər- ]

v.

To supply an organ or a body part with nerves.

To stimulate a nerve, muscle, or body part to action.