trigeminal nerve

noun

: either of a pair of large mixed nerves that are the fifth cranial nerves and supply motor and sensory fibers mostly to the face

called also trigeminal

Examples of trigeminal nerve in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Facial massages may influence the nervous system through sensory pathways in the face, including the trigeminal nerve, which connects to brainstem regions involved in autonomic regulation. — Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 1 Oct. 2026

Facial massage may influence the nervous system through sensory pathways in the face, including the trigeminal nerve, which communicates with brainstem regions involved in autonomic regulation. — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026

Studies also suggest that individuals with migraine are more susceptible to brain freeze, probably because the trigeminal nerve and its associated pain pathways are already hypersensitive. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Aug. 2026

Citrus, pine, mint, and other sharp or cooling scents tend to be more energizing, Dalton says, partly through the trigeminal nerve, which registers sensation as well as smell. — Angela Haupt, Time, 7 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1830, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for trigeminal nerve

• conserve
• deserve
• manoeuvre
• observe
• preserve
• reserve
• subserve
• curve
• mirv
• serve
• swerve
• verve

Medical Definition

trigeminal nerve

noun

: either of the fifth pair of cranial nerves that are mixed nerves and in humans are the largest of the cranial nerves and that arise by a small motor root and a larger sensory root which both emerge from the side of the pons with the sensory root bearing the trigeminal ganglion and dividing into ophthalmic, maxillary, and mandibular nerves and the motor root supplying fibers to the mandibular nerve and through this to the muscles of mastication

called also fifth cranial nerve, trifacial nerve, trigeminus