nervine

[ nur-veen, -vahyn ]

/ ˈnɜr vin, -vaɪn /

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adjective

of or relating to the nerves.

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

noun

a nervine medicine.

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Origin of nervine

1655–65; <New Latin nervīnus, equivalent to Latin nerv(us) nerve + -īnus-ine¹

Words nearby nervine

nerve-racking, nerve root, nerves, nerve trunk, Nervi, nervine, nerving, nervosity, nervous, nervous breakdown, nervous exhaustion

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

How to use nervine in a sentence

The root of golden seal is used in medicine under the name hydrastis rhizome, as a stomachic and nervine stimulant.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 14, Slice 1|Various
Dose: Nervine and alterative, 1/6—1/3 grn.; emetic, 2—5 grn.
Merck's 1899 Manual|Merck & Co.
Antispasmodic and nervine; in hysteria, hypochondriasis, epilepsy, and low fevers.
Cooley's Cyclopdia of Practical Receipts and Collateral Information in the Arts, Manufactures, Professions, and Trades..., Sixth Edition, Volume I|Arnold Cooley
Caffeine and theobromine enjoy nervine properties and energetic vascular actions.
The Healthy Life, Vol. V, Nos. 24-28|Various

The devotion his resolute words proved was like a strong nervine to restore her self-control.
Lost|Edward Bellamy

British Dictionary definitions for nervine

nervine

/ (ˈnɜːviːn) /

adjective

having a soothing or calming effect upon the nerves

noun

obsolete a nervine drug or agent

Word Origin for nervine

C17: from New Latin nervīnus, from Latin nervus nerve

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