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

The disease affects the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, causing loss of muscle control which gets progressively worse over time, according to the Mayo Clinic. — Martha Ross, Mercury News, 19 Aug. 2026

According to the Mayo Clinic, an astrocytoma is a type of brain tumor or spinal cord tumor that starts in cells called astrocytes, which help keep nerve cells healthy and working. — Leigh Blickley, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Aug. 2026

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

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