nerve

American  

[nurv] / nɜrv /

noun

1. 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.

2. a sinew or tendon.

   to strain every nerve.

3. firmness or courage under trying circumstances.

   an assignment requiring nerve;

   to lose your nerve at the very last moment.

   Synonyms:

   resolution, fortitude, intrepidity, steadfastness

4. boldness; audacity; impudence; impertinence.

   He had the nerve to say that?

5. nerves, nervousness.

   an attack of nerves.

6. strength, vigor, or energy.

   a test of nerve and stamina.

   Synonyms:

   might, force, power

   Antonyms:

   weakness

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

8. Botany. a vein, as in a leaf.

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

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verb (used with object)

nerved, nerving

1. to give strength, vigor, or courage to.

   Encouragement had nerved him for the struggle.

   Synonyms:

   brace, steel, invigorate, fortify, strengthen

   Antonyms:

   weaken

idioms

1. bundle of nerves. bundle of nerves.

2. 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.

3. get on one's nerves, to irritate, annoy, or provoke one.

   Boisterous children get on my nerves.

nerve British  

/ nɜːv /

noun

1. any of the cordlike bundles of fibres that conduct sensory or motor impulses between the brain or spinal cord and another part of the body

2. courage, bravery, or steadfastness

3. to become timid, esp failing to perform some audacious act

4. informal boldness or effrontery; impudence

   he had the nerve to swear at me

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

6. a large vein in a leaf

7. any of the veins of an insect's wing

8. to mention or bring to mind a sensitive issue or subject

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verb

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

2. to provide with nerve or nerves

nerve Scientific  

/ nûrv /

1. 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.

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nerve Cultural  

1. 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.

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nerve More Idioms  

1. 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.

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Etymology

Origin of nerve

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

Example Sentences

The transformation could be down to the pruning of nerve networks, and changes to blood vessels and cells that support nerves, says Carmona, and could represent the brain rewiring in a positive way.

From BBC

Arteta and Arsenal now have to hold the nerve we have all questioned.

From BBC

Those signals travel through nerve cells at the back of the eye and then through the optic nerve to the brain, where images are formed.

From Science Daily

Over time, it can lead to serious complications, including nerve damage, blindness, coma, and even death.

From Science Daily

Investors had rushed into the stock last September, when the company reported that AMT-130 slowed the progression of Huntington’s disease, an inherited condition that causes nerve cells in the brain to decay.

From Barron's

Related Words

• confidence
• courage
• determination
• fortitude
• grit
• heart
• spirit
• stomach