Meaning & Definition of Nerve in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: Any of the threads in the nervous system that carry impulses between the brain and other parts of the body.

  Example Sentence: The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body.

• Definition: The ability to face difficulty or pain with courage.

  Example Sentence: It took a lot of nerve to confront his boss about the unfair treatment.

• Definition: A sense of boldness or audacity.

  Example Sentence: She had the nerve to ask for a raise after just a month.

• Definition: Tissue composed of nerve cells that transmit impulses.

  Example Sentence: Injury to the nerve can lead to loss of sensation.

• Definition: Informally, energy or vitality.

  Example Sentence: He doesn't have the nerve to continue the demanding workout routine.

Etymology

Origin: From Latin 'nervus', meaning 'sinew, tendon, nerve'.

Synonyms

Common Phrases and Expressions

• step on someone's nerves: to irritate or annoy someone.
• have the nerve: to have the boldness or courage to do something.
• get on someone's nerves: to cause someone to feel annoyed.
• nerve-racking: causing anxiety or stress.

Translations

• Spanish: nervio

• French: nerf

• German: Nerv

• Russian: нерв

Related Words

• nervous: Feeling or showing anxiety or apprehension.

• nervousness: The state of being anxious or apprehensive.

• neurons: Cells that transmit nerve impulses.

• neurology: The branch of medicine that deals with the nervous system.

Slang Meanings of nerve

• Meaning: Guts or audacity.

  Example Sentence: It takes some serious nerve to pull off a stunt like that.

• Meaning: A reference to being overly bold or brazen.

  Example Sentence: She has the nerve to complain after what she did.