nerve

nerve erve (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. [1913 Webster]

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. [1913 Webster]

2. A sinew or a tendon. --Pope. [1913 Webster]

3. Physical force or steadiness; muscular power and control; constitutional vigor. [1913 Webster]

he led me on to mightiest deeds, Above the nerve of mortal arm. --Milton. [1913 Webster]

4. Steadiness and firmness of mind; self-command in personal danger, or under suffering; unshaken courage and endurance; coolness; pluck; resolution. [1913 Webster]

5. Audacity; assurance. [Slang] [1913 Webster]

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. [1913 Webster]

7. (Zo["o]l.) One of the nervures, or veins, in the wings of insects. [1913 Webster]

{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. [1913 Webster]