nervine

American  

[nur-veen, -vahyn] / ˈnɜr vin, -vaɪn /

adjective

1. of or relating to the nerves.

2. acting on or relieving disorders of the nerves; soothing the nerves.

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noun

1. a nervine medicine.

nervine British  

/ ˈnɜːviːn /

adjective

1. having a soothing or calming effect upon the nerves

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noun

1. obsolete a nervine drug or agent

Etymology

Origin of nervine

1655–65; < New Latin nervīnus, equivalent to Latin nerv ( us ) nerve + -īnus -ine ¹

Example Sentences

Rebuilder of the adrenals, borage is a deep-acting nervine suited to times of exhaustion and low spirits.

From Salon • Jan. 31, 2024

It has a nervine property, by which it excites the nervous system inordinately, and exhilarates the brain.

From Fifteen Years in Hell by Benson, Luther

She had gone into the acquisition of knowledge and the development of thought as some women go into the intoxication of a nervine.

From The Adventures of a Widow A Novel by Fawcett, Edgar

We sucked our nervine lozenges with mutual earnestness.

From Vesty of the Basins by Greene, Sarah P. McLean

Dispensatory: This plant “produces no very obvious effects,” but some doctors regard it as possessed of nervine, antispasmodic and tonic properties.

From The Sacred Formulas of the Cherokees Seventh Annual Report of the Bureau of Ethnology to the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, 1885-1886, Government Printing Office, Washington, 1891, pages 301-398 by Mooney, James