nerve cell

noun

Definition of nerve cell

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

The light-sensing protein could lead to applications in everything from data storage to optogenetics, which allows scientists to manipulate genetically modified nerve cells with light. — Shandria Sutton, Science | AAAS, "New ‘light-eating’ protein discovered in the Sea of Galilee," 5 July 2018 Some jellyfish, like the deadly box jellyfish, use toxins that punch holes in skin, blood, and nerve cells alike. — National Geographic, "What's Giving Some Beachgoers Rashes? Get the Facts.," 28 June 2018 Theories have abounded for decades that viruses might be involved in Alzheimer’s, especially herpes viruses, which have a special affinity for nerve cells. — NBC News, "Childhood virus HHV linked with Alzheimer's decades later," 21 June 2018 The thinking is that activity in certain nerve cells makes blood vessels in your brain dilate and also causes a release of inflammatory substances like prostaglandins, which can create pain. — Korin Miller, SELF, "9 Health Issues That Can Cause Sensitivity to Light," 5 June 2018 After patients recover from chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in their nerve cells, where it is typically kept in check by the immune system for decades. — New York Times, "Is Shingles Contagious?," 25 May 2018 For one thing, recent studies show that cannabinoids manufactured by our own nerve cells play a crucial role in wiring the brain, both prenatally and during adolescence. — Claudia Wallis, Scientific American, "What Pot Really Does to the Teen Brain," 1 Dec. 2017 Migraine specialists are also exploring other treatments, including forehead and eyelid surgery to decompress branches of the trigeminal nerve, as well as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), a noninvasive way of altering nerve cell activity. — David Noonan, Scientific American, "New Nerve Drugs May Finally Prevent Migraine Headaches," 1 Dec. 2015 Memories and learning are reflected in the number and strength of connections between nerve cells. — Robert Martone, Scientific American, "Early Life Experience: It’s in Your DNA," 10 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'nerve cell.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.