nerve

¹nerve

noun \ˈnərv\

Definition of NERVE

1

: sinew, tendon <strain every nerve>

2

: any of the filamentous bands of nervous tissue that connect parts of the nervous system with the other organs, conduct nerve impulses, and are made up of axons and dendrites together with protective and supportive structures

3

a : power of endurance or control : fortitude, strength

b : assurance, boldness; also : presumptuous audacity : gall

4

a : a sore or sensitive point <her remark touched a nerve>

b plural : nervous agitation or irritability : nervousness <a case of nerves>

5

: vein 3

6

: the sensitive pulp of a tooth

Examples of NERVE

1. The optic nerve in the eye allows you to see.
2. a condition affecting the nerves in her arm
3. It takes a lot of nerve to start a new career.
4. He found the nerve to stand up to his boss.
5. I was going to ask her to the dance, but I lost my nerve.
6. You have a lot of nerve to talk to me that way.
7. I can't believe she had the nerve to call me a liar.

Origin of NERVE

Latin nervus sinew, nerve; akin to Greek neuron sinew, nerve, nēn to spin — more at needle

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to NERVE

Synonyms

audaciousness, audacity, brashness, brass, brassiness, brazenness, cheek, cheekiness, chutzpah (also chutzpa or hutzpah or hutzpa), crust, face, gall, effrontery, nerviness, pertness, presumption, presumptuousness, sauce, sauciness, temerity

Antonyms

cowardice, cowardliness, cravenness, dastardliness, poltroonery, spinelessness

Related Words

arrogance, assurance, cockiness, confidence, hardihood, overconfidence, sanguinity, self-assurance, self-confidence; discourteousness, disrespect, impertinence, impoliteness, impudence, incivility, inconsiderateness, inconsideration, insolence, rudeness, ungraciousness; back talk, sass; swagger, swash

Near Antonyms

bashfulness, diffidence, faintheartedness, hesitancy, modesty, shyness, timidity, timidness, timorousness; civility, courteousness, courtesy, gentility, graciousness, mannerliness, manners

See Synonym Discussion at temerity

Other Anatomy Terms

bilateral symmetry, carotid, cartilage, dorsal, entrails, prehensile, renal, solar plexus, supine, thoracic, ventral

Rhymes with NERVE

curve, MIRV, serve, slurve, swerve, verve

²nerve

transitive verb

nervednerv·ing

Definition of NERVE

: to give strength or courage to : supply with physical or moral force

Examples of NERVE

1. <needs to nerve himself for the big game tomorrow>

First Known Use of NERVE

circa 1749

Related to NERVE

Synonyms

brace, forearm, fortify, poise, psych (up), ready, steel, strengthen

Related Words

arm; harden, inure, season, toughen; bolster, boost, buoy (up), buttress, enforce, prop (up), reinforce (also reenforce), support, sustain; cheer (up), comfort, embolden, encourage, hearten, inspire; rally, rouse, stir

Near Antonyms

daunt, demoralize, discourage, dishearten, dispirit, psych (out), shake, unnerve; debilitate, enervate, enfeeble, prostrate, sap, soften, tire, undercut, undermine, weaken

nerve

noun \ˈnərv\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of NERVE

1

: any of the filamentous bands of nervous tissue that connect parts of the nervous system with the other organs, conduct nervous impulses, and are made up of axons and dendrites together with protective and supportive structures and that for the larger nerves have the fibers gathered into funiculi surrounded by a perineurium and the funiculi enclosed in a common epineurium

2

nerves pl : a state or condition of nervous agitation or irritability

3

: the sensitive pulp of a tooth