nerve
Americannoun
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one or more bundles of fibers forming part of a system that conveys impulses of sensation, motion, etc., between the brain or spinal cord and other parts of the body.
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a sinew or tendon.
to strain every nerve.
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firmness or courage under trying circumstances.
an assignment requiring nerve;
to lose your nerve at the very last moment.
- Synonyms:
- resolution, fortitude, intrepidity, steadfastness
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boldness; audacity; impudence; impertinence.
He had the nerve to say that?
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nerves, nervousness.
an attack of nerves.
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strength, vigor, or energy.
a test of nerve and stamina.
- Antonyms:
- weakness
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(not in technical use) pulp tissue of a tooth.
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Botany. a vein, as in a leaf.
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a line, or one of a system of lines, extending across something.
verb (used with object)
idioms
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bundle of nerves. bundle of nerves.
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have nerves of steel, to be able to control one’s fear or unease and remain calm and competent, even in the worst of circumstances.
I thought I had nerves of steel, but when we had to dissect a pig, I turned into a jellyfish.
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get on one's nerves, to irritate, annoy, or provoke one.
Boisterous children get on my nerves.
noun
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any of the cordlike bundles of fibres that conduct sensory or motor impulses between the brain or spinal cord and another part of the body
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courage, bravery, or steadfastness
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to become timid, esp failing to perform some audacious act
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informal boldness or effrontery; impudence
he had the nerve to swear at me
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muscle or sinew (often in the phrase strain every nerve )
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a large vein in a leaf
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any of the veins of an insect's wing
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to mention or bring to mind a sensitive issue or subject
verb
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to give courage to (oneself); steel (oneself)
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to provide with nerve or nerves
Etymology
Origin of nerve
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English: “nerve, tendon,” from Latin nervus “sinew, tendon”; akin to Greek neûron ( neuron ); replacing Middle English nerf, from Middle French, from Latin, as above
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Lisowski - ranked 22nd in the world, 16 places below Higgins - held his nerve admirably at the end to make sure of victory.
From BBC
It was Paolini who held her nerve to take the second set and level the contest.
From BBC
The findings, which are related to a sensor in the nerve cells of the skin, might provide clues for treating chronic itch conditions.
A volatile concoction of fears, relief, optimism and nerves around the issue has made it a roller-coaster week for markets.
From Barron's
Still, that warning did not fully calm the nerves of residents jolted by the dramatic operation in their normally quiet neighborhood.
From Los Angeles Times
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
