optic nerve

American  

noun

Anatomy.

1. either one of the second pair of cranial nerves, consisting of sensory fibers that conduct impulses from the retina to the brain.

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optic nerve British  

noun

1. the second cranial nerve, which provides a sensory pathway from the retina to the brain

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optic nerve Scientific  

1. Either of the second pair of cranial nerves, which carry sensory information relating to vision from the retina of the eye to the brain. Disease or injury of the optic nerve can result in partial or total blindness.

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optic nerve Cultural  

1. The nerve that carries electrical signals from the retina in the eye to the brain.

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Etymology

Origin of optic nerve

First recorded in 1605–15

Example Sentences

After a week getting steroids and pain medicine at Providence St. John’s Medical Center in Santa Monica, he received the biopsy results: an extremely aggressive malignant mass was blocking blood flow to Duong’s optic nerve.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

The researchers suggest that the coiled optic nerve developed as a workaround, giving the eyes extra slack and reducing strain as they pivot.

From Science Daily • Nov. 19, 2025

Spotting a coiled optic nerve in one chameleon provided an important clue, but researchers needed broader evidence.

From Science Daily • Nov. 19, 2025

However the implant would not help restore sight in people born blind, because they don't have a functioning optic nerve to pass signals to the brain.

From BBC • Oct. 20, 2025

But she knew that even if the knives were not poised above her optic nerve, she would attend to her nephews only out of duty.

From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan