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

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder of the nervous system that causes nerve cells in parts of the brain to weaken, become damaged and die. —Point Loma-Ob Monthly, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Apr. 2026

Parkinson's is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the degeneration of nerve cells, which become damaged and die, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. —Mason Leib, ABC News, 13 Apr. 2026

In the United States, spiders that are dangerous to people include the brown recluse, which carries a necrotic toxin that destroys tissue, and the black widow, which has a special neurotoxin that damages nerve cells. —Matthew Cordes, The Conversation, 6 Apr. 2026

These nerve cells develop alongside structural tissues, forming branching connections throughout the autonomous beings. —IEEE Spectrum, 31 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for nerve cell

• bagatelle
• caravel
• carousel
• carrousel
• citadel
• clientele
• commonweal
• decibel
• demoiselle
• fontanelle
• infidel
• isabel

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