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.

---

noun

1. a nervine medicine.

nervine British  

/ ˈnɜːviːn /

adjective

1. having a soothing or calming effect upon the nerves

---

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

We sucked our nervine lozenges with mutual earnestness.

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

Captain Leezur was softly but strenuously sucking a nervine lozenge.

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

In the sense of nervous weakness, or, perhaps more correctly, nervine weakness, the word should probably be nervish, analogous to qualmish, squeamish, aguish, feverish, &c.

From Notes and Queries, Vol. IV, Number 99, September 20, 1851 A Medium of Inter-communication for Literary Men, Artists, Antiquaries, Genealogists, etc. by Various

But an infusion of the plant made with cold water, acts better as a remedy for hysterical headache, and as a general nervine stimulant because the volatile aromatic virtues are not dispelled by heat.

From Herbal Simples Approved for Modern Uses of Cure by Fernie, William Thomas