node of Ranvier

noun phrase

node of Ran·​vier -ˈräⁿ-vē-ˌā How to pronounce node of Ranvier (audio)
: a small gap in the myelin sheath of a myelinated nerve fiber

Word History

Etymology

Louis A. Ranvier †1922 French histologist

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of node of Ranvier was in 1876

Browse Nearby Words

noded
node of Ranvier
nodiak
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Cite this Entry

“Node of Ranvier.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/node%20of%20Ranvier. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

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Medical Definition

node of Ranvier

noun
node of Ran·​vier -ˈrän-vē-ˌā How to pronounce node of Ranvier (audio)
: a small gap in the myelin sheath of a myelinated axon

More from Merriam-Webster on node of Ranvier

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about node of Ranvier

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