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View synonyms for nerve

nerve

noun

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.
to strain every nerve.
firmness or courage under trying circumstances:
an assignment requiring nerve;
to lose your nerve at the very last moment.
Synonyms: intrepidity, steadfastness, resolution, fortitude
He had the nerve to say that?
an attack of nerves.
strength, vigor, or energy:
a test of nerve and stamina.
Synonyms: might, force, power
Antonyms: weakness
(not in technical use) pulp tissue of a tooth.
Botany. a vein, as in a leaf.
a line, or one of a system of lines, extending across something.

/ nɜːv /

noun

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
neural
courage, bravery, or steadfastness
lose one's nerve
to become timid, esp failing to perform some audacious act
informal.
boldness or effrontery; impudence
he had the nerve to swear at me
muscle or sinew (often in the phrase strain every nerve )
any of the veins of an insect's wing
touch a nerve or touch a raw nerve or hit a nerve or hit a raw nerve or strike a nerve or strike a raw nerve
to mention or bring to mind a sensitive issue or subject

verb

to give courage to (oneself); steel (oneself)
to provide with nerve or nerves

/ nûrv /

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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Word History and Origins

Origin of nerve1

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

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Word History and Origins

Origin of nerve1

C16: from Latin nervus; related to Greek neuron; compare Sanskrit snāvan sinew

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Example Sentences

"It’s become second nature now to me and I can deal with the nerves and responsibility."

There are nerves, however, at the top of government about what any review might recommend.

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell said his side held their nerve and "just about got there" after they came through a chaotic Autumn Nations Series match against Argentina with a nail-biting 22-19 win.

The Tartan Army were living off their nerves to that point.

In the deciding leg Littler held his nerve and nailed treble 18, double 16, to seal victory and a place in the last eight.

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023