ˈvərv, ˈvəv, ˈvəiv, ˈve(ə)rv, ˈveəv noun
( -s )
Etymology: French, from Middle French, caprice, fantasy, from Old French, proverb, delivery, verbosity, from Latin verba, plural of verbum word — more at word
1. archaic : special ability or talent
2.
a. : a forceful and lively quality or manner of composition or performance (as of a poem, painting, musical work) : dash , vivacity
the animals were drawn with such verve that they seemed ready to leap straight out of the scroll — New Yorker
performing with matchless verve and gusto — Barry Carman
b. : energy , vitality
with the verve of a girl under twenty, she recovered her spirits — Francis Hackett
Synonyms: see vigor