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.
⇒ 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. Zool.
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.<-- = neuron, a word listed only in a different sens in W1913 --> -- 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.<-- #!? -->
© Webster 1913.
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.
© Webster 1913.