nerve: Meaning and Definition of

nerve

Pronunciation: (nûrv), [key]
— n., v., nerved, nerv•ing.
—n.
  1. one or more bundles of fibers forming part of a system that conveys impulses of sensation, motion, etc., between the brain or spinal cord and other parts of the body.
  2. a sinew or tendon: to strain every nerve.
  3. firmness or courage under trying circumstances: an assignment requiring nerve.
  4. boldness; audacity; impudence; impertinence: He had the nerve to say that?
  5. nervousness: an attack of nerves.
  6. strength, vigor, or energy: a test of nerve and stamina.
  7. (not in technical use) pulp tissue of a tooth.
  8. a vein, as in a leaf.
  9. a line, or one of a system of lines, extending across something.
  10. to irritate, annoy, or provoke one: Boisterous children get on my nerves.
—v.t.
  1. to give strength, vigor, or courage to: Encouragement had nerved him for the struggle.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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