vagus nerve

noun va·gus nerve \ ˈvā-gəs- \

Updated on: 8 Mar 2018

Definition of vagus nerve

: 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

Recent Examples of vagus nerve from the Web

That’s due, in part, to the vagus nerve, one of the main emotional centers of the body.

— hilary jacobs hendel, Time, "Ignoring Your Emotions Is Bad for Your Health. Here's What to Do About It," 27 Feb. 2018
The chunk of frankfurter stimulated the boy's vagus nerve, and this triggered an abnormal heart rhythm that in turn caused his heart to abruptly stop beating, Ozyilmaz and his co-authors speculated in the case study.

— susan scutti, CNN, "Boy whose heart stopped after bite of hot dog found to have rare condition," 6 Sep. 2017
The vagus nerve, which also reaches down into the abdomen, plays many roles including slowing the heartbeat and controlling muscles of the small intestine.

— chicago tribune, chicagotribune.com, "Vegetative-state patient responds to experimental therapy after 15 years," 26 Sep. 2017
This implant was used to gently but directly stimulate the man's vagus nerve over the course of months.

— ben panko, Smithsonian, "Experimental Treatment Partially Awakens Man in Vegetative State," 28 Sep. 2017
The child didn't choke; the large bite stimulated his vagus nerve, which stems from the brain and runs through the neck, connecting organs — including the heart — to the central nervous system.

— elizabeth narins, Cosmopolitan, "Boy's Heart Stopped After Taking 1 Bite of a Hot Dog," 6 Sep. 2017
Neuroscientists inserted a small implant into the man's necks to stimulate his vagus nerve—a long nerve traveling directly into the brainstem and connects to the thalamus, which is thought to be critical for alertness.

— ben panko, Smithsonian, "Experimental Treatment Partially Awakens Man in Vegetative State," 28 Sep. 2017
Using vagus nerve stimulation to spark brain activity isn’t a new idea.

— beth mole, Ars Technica, "After 15 yrs in vegetative state, patient becomes minimally conscious," 25 Sep. 2017
The stimulation of the vagus nerve could in effect be giving the thalamus a volume boost in the brain, reports Price.

— ben panko, Smithsonian, "Experimental Treatment Partially Awakens Man in Vegetative State," 28 Sep. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'vagus nerve.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of vagus nerve

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1856

See Words from the same year

Medical Dictionary

vagus nerve

noun

medical Definition of vagus nerve

: 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

Learn More about vagus nerve

See words that rhyme with vagus nerve Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about vagus nerve

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up vagus nerve? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

vagus nerve

Definition of vagus nerve

Recent Examples of vagus nerve from the Web

Origin and Etymology of vagus nerve

Medical Dictionary

vagus nerve

medical Definition of vagus nerve

Learn More about vagus nerve

Seen and Heard

WORD OF THE DAY

grudging

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Test Your Vocabulary

Words at Play

Words from Letters in the Greek Alphabet

'Preventive' or 'Preventative'?

Words We're Watching: 'Bluebeard,' the Verb

Where 'Cliff-hangers' Come From

Ask the Editors

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

Words of the Year: 1066

Literally

Is Singular 'They' a Better Choice?

Word Games

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

More Confusing Words—Quiz

True or False?

Add Diction

Going Greek: 7 Words from the Greek Alphabet

'Preventive' or 'Preventative'?

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

Trending: Trump: Den of Thieves and 'Lowlifes'

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

vagus nerve

Definition of vagus nerve

Recent Examples of vagus nerve from the Web

Origin and Etymology of vagus nerve

Medical Dictionary

vagus nerve

medical Definition of vagus nerve

Learn More about vagus nerve

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

Going Greek: 7 Words from the Greek Alphabet

'Preventive' or 'Preventative'?

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

Trending: Trump: Den of Thieves and 'Lowlifes'

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes