vagus nerve

noun

va·​gus nerve ˈvā-gəs- 

: either of the 10th pair of cranial nerves that arise from the medulla oblongata and supply chiefly the viscera especially with autonomic sensory and motor fibers

called also vagus

Examples of vagus nerve in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Slow-breathing exercises — particularly extending the exhale — directly stimulate the vagus nerve. —Amy Cuddy, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2026

According to a news release, the system can offer red light therapy, molecular hydrogen inhalation, micro-impact vibration and sound therapy with vagus nerve stimulation. —Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Feb. 2026

Fortunately, vagus nerve stimulation doesn’t require such extremes. —Chloe Burcham, Vogue, 5 Feb. 2026

As Bianchini notes, a toned vagus nerve is a healthy vagus nerve—and, just like our muscles, toning comes from strengthening exercises. —Jessie Quinn, Flow Space, 27 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin vagus nervus, literally, "wandering nerve,"; so called from its multiplicity of connecting points in the neck, thorax, and abdomen — more at vague

First Known Use

1856, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for vagus nerve

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

Medical Definition

vagus nerve

noun

: either of the tenth pair of cranial nerves that arise from the medulla and supply chiefly the viscera especially with autonomic sensory and motor fibers

called also pneumogastric nerve, tenth cranial nerve, vagus