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nerve

[ nurv ]

/ nɜrv /

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See synonyms for: nerve / nerves on Thesaurus.com

noun

one or more bundles of fibers forming part of a system that conveys impulses of sensation, motion, etc., between the brain or spinal cord and other parts of the body.

a sinew or tendon: to strain every nerve.

firmness or courage under trying circumstances: an assignment requiring nerve;to lose your nerve at the very last moment.

boldness; audacity; impudence; impertinence: He had the nerve to say that?

nerves, nervousness: an attack of nerves.

strength, vigor, or energy: a test of nerve and stamina.

(not in technical use) pulp tissue of a tooth.

Botany. a vein, as in a leaf.

a line, or one of a system of lines, extending across something.

verb (used with object), nerved, nerv·ing.

to give strength, vigor, or courage to: Encouragement had nerved him for the struggle.

OTHER WORDS FOR nerve

3 steadfastness, intrepidity, fortitude, resolution.

6 power, force, might.

10 strengthen, fortify, invigorate, steel, brace.

See synonyms for nerve on Thesaurus.com

OPPOSITES FOR nerve

6 weakness.

10 weaken.

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QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Idioms about nerve

bundle of nerves. See entry at bundle of nerves.

get on one's nerves, to irritate, annoy, or provoke one: Boisterous children get on my nerves.

have nerves of steel, to be able to control one’s fear or unease and remain calm and competent, even in the worst of circumstances: I thought I had nerves of steel, but when we had to dissect a pig, I turned into a jellyfish.

Origin of nerve

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English: “nerve, tendon,” from Latin nervus “sinew, tendon”; akin to Greek neûron (see neuron); replacing Middle English nerf, from Middle French, from Latin, as above

Words nearby nerve

Neruda, Pablo, Nerva, nerval, nervate, nervation, nerve, nerve block, nerve cell, nerve center, nerve centre, nerve cord

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use nerve in a sentence

For example, a 2017 study demonstrated that nerve signals could be used for precise control of prosthetic limbs.
Neurologists aren’t so sure about Elon Musk’s Neuralink brain implant startup|dzanemorris|August 31, 2020|Fortune
For example, at least half a dozen studies have found that stimulating the limb area acupoint can suppress systemic inflammation, partially through the vagus nerve.
We Need New, Safer Ways to Treat Pain. Could Electroacupuncture Be One?|Shelly Fan|August 18, 2020|Singularity Hub
From remembering facts or conversations to improving musical or athletic skills, learning alters connections between nerve cells called synapses.
Brain Scientists Haven’t Been Able To Find Major Differences Between Women’s And Men’s Brains, Despite Over A Century Of Searching|LGBTQ-Editor|August 13, 2020|No Straight News
The toxin, known by the initials TTX, stops nerve cells from sending signals that tell muscles to move.
Toxic germs on its skin make this newt deadly|Erin Garcia de Jesus|June 23, 2020|Science News For Students

Contradictory evidence means that no one knows whether SARS-CoV-2 can infect nerve cells in the brain directly, and if so, whether the virus’s route to the brain can sometimes start in the nose.
The way the coronavirus messes with smell hints at how it affects the brain|Laura Sanders|June 12, 2020|Science News
Few have the nerve to call him and he's usually pleased when an old friend does.
Alfred Hitchcock’s Fade to Black: The Great Director’s Final Days|David Freeman|December 13, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Then he lost his nerve and decided to live after all, and I called for help.
A Million Ways to Die in Prison|Daniel Genis|December 8, 2014|DAILY BEAST
“But bringing it to New York was a bit nerve-wracking,” he admits.
This Fashion World Darling Is Homeless|Erica Wagner|December 2, 2014|DAILY BEAST
For anyone—not just a fan—the first time performing on camera can be nerve wracking.
Sotheby’s for Sex: The Problem with Auctioning Off Sex with A Porn Star|Aurora Snow|November 15, 2014|DAILY BEAST
She was a perky redhead of about 30 with lively blue eyes, a petite figure, and lots of nerve.
Gay Talese on Charlie Manson’s Home on the Range|Gay Talese|October 31, 2014|DAILY BEAST
It was Carmena, every nerve of her loyal nature on the alert to baffle this pursuer of Alessandro and Ramona.
Ramona|Helen Hunt Jackson
To add point to this success, he knew that the victor of Montebello was straining every nerve to gain this very prize.
Napoleon's Marshals|R. P. Dunn-Pattison
I hadn't the nerve to stand there and tell her she'd never see her father again this side of the pearly gates.
Raw Gold|Bertrand W. Sinclair
It was a hair-raising problem, too, and called for every ounce of nerve and every particle of skill the boy possessed.
Motor Matt's "Century" Run|Stanley R. Matthews
This time it was really Mr. Bills, and Mrs. Biggs went out to meet him, while Eloise felt every nerve quiver with dread.
The Cromptons|Mary J. Holmes

British Dictionary definitions for nerve

nerve

/ (nɜːv) /

noun

any of the cordlike bundles of fibres that conduct sensory or motor impulses between the brain or spinal cord and another part of the bodyRelated adjective: neural

courage, bravery, or steadfastness

lose one's nerve to become timid, esp failing to perform some audacious act

informal boldness or effrontery; impudencehe had the nerve to swear at me

muscle or sinew (often in the phrase strain every nerve)

a large vein in a leaf

any of the veins of an insect's wing

touch a nerve, touch a raw nerve, hit a nerve, hit a raw nerve, strike a nerve or strike a raw nerve to mention or bring to mind a sensitive issue or subject

verb (tr)

to give courage to (oneself); steel (oneself)

to provide with nerve or nerves

Word Origin for nerve

C16: from Latin nervus; related to Greek neuron; compare Sanskrit snāvan sinew

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

Scientific definitions for nerve

nerve

[ nûrv ]

Any of the bundles of fibers made up of neurons that carry sensory and motor information throughout the body in the form of electrical impulses. Afferent nerves carry information to the central nervous system, and efferent nerves carry information from the central nervous system to the muscles, organs, and glands. Efferent nerves include the nerves of the peripheral nervous system, which control voluntary motor activity and of the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary motor activity.

Cultural definitions for nerve

nerve

A bundle of fibers composed of neurons that connects the body parts and organs to the central nervous system and carries impulses from one part of the body to another.

Other Idioms and Phrases with nerve

nerve

see bundle of nerves; get on someone's nerves; get up (one's nerve); have a nerve; lose one's nerve; of all the nerve; war of nerves.

nerve

OTHER WORDS FOR nerve

OPPOSITES FOR nerve

Idioms about nerve

Origin of nerve

Words nearby nerve

Words related to nerve

How to use nerve in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for nerve

Word Origin for nerve

Scientific definitions for nerve

Cultural definitions for nerve

Other Idioms and Phrases with nerve