Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Nerve?

\Nerve\, n. [OE. nerfe, F. nerf, L. nervus, akin to Gr. ? sinew, nerve; cf. ? string, bowstring; perh. akin to E. needle. Cf. {Neuralgia}.] 1. (Anat.) One of the whitish and elastic bundles of fibers, with the accompanying tissues, which transmit nervous impulses between nerve centers and various parts of the animal body. Note: An ordinary nerve is made up of several bundles of nerve fibers, each bundle inclosed in a special sheath (the perineurium) and all bound together in a connective tissue sheath and framework (the epineurium) containing blood vessels and lymphatics. 2. A sinew or a tendon. --Pope. 3. Physical force or steadiness; muscular power and control; constitutional vigor. he led me on to mightiest deeds, Above the nerve of mortal arm. --Milton. 4. Steadiness and firmness of mind; self-command in personal danger, or under suffering; unshaken courage and endurance; coolness; pluck; resolution. 5. Audacity; assurance. [Slang] 6. (Bot.) One of the principal fibrovascular bundles or ribs of a leaf, especially when these extend straight from the base or the midrib of the leaf. 7. (Zo["o]l.) One of the nervures, or veins, in the wings of insects. {Nerve cell} (Anat.), one of the nucleated cells with which nerve fibers are connected; a ganglion cell. {Nerve fiber} (Anat.), one of the fibers of which nerves are made up. These fibers are either {medullated} or {nonmedullated}. in both kinds the essential part is the translucent threadlike axis cylinder which is continuous the whole length of the fiber. {Nerve stretching} (Med.), the operation of stretching a nerve in order to remedy diseases such as tetanus, which are supposed to be influenced by the condition of the nerve or its connections.
\Nerve\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Nerved}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Nerving}.] To give strength or vigor to; to supply with force; as, fear nerved his arm.