Nerve \Nerve\, n. [OE. nerfe, F. nerf, L. nervus, akin to Gr. ?
sinew, nerve; cf. ? string, bowstring; perh. akin to E.
needle. Cf. Neuralgia.]
1. (Anat.) One of the whitish and elastic bundles of fibers,
with the accompanying tissues, which transmit nervous
impulses between nerve centers and various parts of the
animal body.
Note: An ordinary nerve is made up of several bundles of
nerve fibers, each bundle inclosed in a special sheath
(the perineurium) and all bound together in a
connective tissue sheath and framework (the epineurium)
containing blood vessels and lymphatics.
2. A sinew or a tendon. --Pope.
3. Physical force or steadiness; muscular power and control;
constitutional vigor.
he led me on to mightiest deeds, Above the nerve of
mortal arm. --Milton.
4. Steadiness and firmness of mind; self-command in personal
danger, or under suffering; unshaken courage and
endurance; coolness; pluck; resolution.
5. Audacity; assurance. [Slang]
6. (Bot.) One of the principal fibrovascular bundles or ribs
of a leaf, especially when these extend straight from the
base or the midrib of the leaf.
7. (Zo["o]l.) One of the nervures, or veins, in the wings of
insects.
Nerve cell (Anat.), one of the nucleated cells with which
nerve fibers are connected; a ganglion cell.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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