n. & v.
--n.
1. a a fibre or bundle of fibres that transmits impulses of sensation or motion between the brain or spinal cord and other parts of the body. b the material constituting these.
2 a coolness in danger; bravery; assurance. b colloq. impudence, audacity (they've got a nerve).
3 (in pl.) a the bodily state in regard to physical sensitiveness and the interaction between the brain and other parts. b a state of heightened nervousness or sensitivity; a condition of mental or physical stress (need to calm my nerves).
4 a rib of a leaf, esp. the midrib.
5 poet. archaic a sinew or tendon.
--v.tr.
1. (usu. refl.) brace (oneself) to face danger, suffering, etc.
2 give strength, vigour, or courage to.
Phrases and idioms:
get on a person's nerves irritate or annoy a person. have nerves of iron (or steel) (of a person etc.) be not easily upset or frightened. nerve-cell an elongated branched cell transmitting impulses in nerve tissue. nerve-centre
1. a group of closely connected nerve cells associated in performing some function.
2 the centre of control of an organization etc. nerve gas a poisonous gas affecting the nervous system. nerve-racking stressful, frightening; straining the nerves.
Derivatives:
nerved adj. (also in comb.).
Etymology: ME, sinew, f. L nervus, rel. to Gk neuron