nerve
nerve Lexical Profile
nerve Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A whitish, cord-like bundle of fibers in the body that transmits impulses of sensation and motion between the brain or spinal cord and other organs or tissues.
"The surgeon carefully avoided damaging the optic nerve during the delicate procedure."
A person's steadiness, courage, and self-control in a demanding or dangerous situation.
"It takes a great deal of nerve to climb that sheer rock face without a rope."
Impudent boldness, shameless presumption, or audacity.
"He had the nerve to ask me for a loan right after insulting my work."
One of the branching ribs or principal veins of a plant leaf or an insect's wing.
"The botanist examined the prominent central nerve running down the underside of the tropical leaf."
• verb
To give strength, vigor, or courage to someone to face a difficult task or ordeal.
"She nerved herself to deliver the difficult news to the board of directors."
Word Nuance & Usage
In the singular ('nerve'), the non-anatomical sense means courage or audacity; in the plural ('nerves'), it means anxiety, timidity, or agitation.
• Rhymes for nerve
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed from Middle French 'nerf' or directly from Latin 'nervus', originally meaning 'sinew, tendon, or bowstring', cognate with Ancient Greek 'neuron'.