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

In addition to regulating blood sugar, insulin helps nerve cells in the brain to grow and communicate with each other, which in turn can support overall cognitive function. — Sadie Chafe, FOXNews.com, 13 Nov. 2026

The new clue involves a protein called tau that normally supports neurons but becomes abnormal in Alzheimer’s, tangling inside those nerve cells. — ABC News, 13 Nov. 2026

According to Healthline, testosterone may help protect the brain by slowing nerve cell death, promoting regeneration after injury, minimizing nerve damage and reducing inflammation in the nervous system. — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2026

Omega-3s may help to prevent those blockages, which reduce the risk of stroke and, in doing so, indirectly reduce the risk of nerve cell death and memory loss. — Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 17 Oct. 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