from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
nerve \nerve\ (n[~e]rv), n. [OE. nerfe, F. nerf, L. nervus, akin
to Gr. ney^ron sinew, nerve; cf. neyra` 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.
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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.
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2. A sinew or a tendon. --Pope.
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3. Physical force or steadiness; muscular power and control;
constitutional vigor.
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he led me on to mightiest deeds,
Above the nerve of mortal arm. --Milton.
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4. Steadiness and firmness of mind; self-command in personal
danger, or under suffering; unshaken courage and
endurance; coolness; pluck; resolution.
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5. Audacity; assurance. [Slang]
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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.
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7. (Zool.) One of the nervures, or veins, in the wings of
insects.
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{Nerve cell} (Anat.), a neuron, one of the nucleated cells
with which nerve fibers are connected; a {ganglion cell}
is one type of nerve cell.
{Nerve fiber} (Anat.), one of the fibers of which nerves are
made up. These fibers are either {medullated} or
{nonmedullated}. In both kinds the essential part is the
translucent threadlike axis cylinder which is continuous
the whole length of the fiber.
{Nerve stretching} (Med.), the operation of stretching a
nerve in order to remedy diseases such as tetanus, which
are supposed to be influenced by the condition of the
nerve or its connections.
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