Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Nervous?

\Nerv"ous\, a. [L. nervosus sinewy, vigorous: cf. F. nerveux. See {Nerve}.] 1. possessing nerve; sinewy; strong; vigorous. ``Nervous arms.'' --Pope. 2. Possessing or manifesting vigor of mind; characterized by strength in sentiment or style; forcible; spirited; as, a nervous writer. 3. Of or pertaining to the nerves; seated in the nerves; as, nervous excitement; a nervous fever. 4. Having the nerves weak, diseased, or easily excited; subject to, or suffering from, undue excitement of the nerves; easily agitated or annoyed. Poor, weak, nervous creatures. --Cheyne. 5. Sensitive; excitable; timid. Our aristocratic class does not firmly protest against the unfair treatment of Irish Catholics, because it is nervous about the land. --M. Arnold. {Nervous fever} (Med.), a low form of fever characterized by great disturbance of the nervous system, as evinced by delirium, or stupor, disordered sensibility, etc. {Nervous system} (Anat.), the specialized co["o]rdinating apparatus which endows animals with sensation and volition. In vertebrates it is often divided into three systems: the central, brain and spinal cord; the peripheral, cranial and spinal nerves; and the sympathetic. See {Brain}, {Nerve}, {Spinal cord}, under {Spinal}, and {Sympathetic system}, under {Sympathetic}, and Illust. in Appendix. {Nervous temperament}, a condition of body characterized by a general predominance of mental manifestations. --Mayne.