nerve cell

noun

1

: a grayish or reddish granular cell with specialized processes that is the fundamental functional unit of nervous tissue transmitting and receiving nerve impulses : neuron

2

: cell body

Examples of nerve cell in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Parkinson's is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the weakening of nerve cells, which become damaged and die, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. — Mason Leib, ABC News, 30 July 2026

These toxic tangles are linked to cognitive impairment and nerve cell death in tauopathies. — Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 July 2026

Dopamine-producing nerve cells in the brain gradually die or become impaired, affecting movement. — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 29 July 2026

The disease affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, eventually impacting the muscles needed to move, speak, eat and breathe, per Mayo Clinic. — Cara Lynn Shultz, PEOPLE, 28 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for nerve cell

• bagatelle
• calomel
• caravel
• carousel
• carrousel
• citadel
• clientele
• commonweal
• coronel
• decibel
• demoiselle
• fontanelle

Kids Definition

nerve cell

noun

: neuron

also : cell body

Medical Definition

nerve cell

noun

1

: a grayish or reddish granular cell with specialized processes that is the fundamental functional unit of nervous tissue : neuron

2

: cell body