nerve

¹nerve

noun \ˈnərv\

Definition of NERVE

1

: sinew, tendon <strain every nerve>

2

: any of the filamentous bands of nervous tissue that connect parts of the nervous system with the other organs, conduct nerve impulses, and are made up of axons and dendrites together with protective and supportive structures

3

a : power of endurance or control : fortitude, strength b : assurance, boldness; also : presumptuous audacity : gall

4

a : a sore or sensitive point <her remark touched a nerve> b plural : nervous agitation or irritability : nervousness <a case of nerves>

5

: vein 3

6

: the sensitive pulp of a tooth

Examples of NERVE

1. The optic nerve in the eye allows you to see.
2. a condition affecting the nerves in her arm
3. It takes a lot of nerve to start a new career.
4. He found the nerve to stand up to his boss.
5. I was going to ask her to the dance, but I lost my nerve.
6. You have a lot of nerve to talk to me that way.
7. I can't believe she had the nerve to call me a liar.

Origin of NERVE

Latin nervus sinew, nerve; akin to Greek neuron sinew, nerve, nēn to spin — more at needle

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to NERVE

Synonyms: audaciousness, audacity, brashness, brass, brassiness, brazenness, cheek, cheekiness, chutzpah (also chutzpa or hutzpah or hutzpa), crust, face, gall, effrontery, nerviness, pertness, presumption, presumptuousness, sauce, sauciness, temerity

Antonyms: cowardice, cowardliness, cravenness, dastardliness, poltroonery, spinelessness

Related Words: arrogance, assurance, cockiness, confidence, hardihood, overconfidence, sanguinity, self-assurance, self-confidence; discourteousness, disrespect, impertinence, impoliteness, impudence, incivility, inconsiderateness, inconsideration, insolence, rudeness, ungraciousness; back talk, sass; swagger, swash

Near Antonyms: bashfulness, diffidence, faintheartedness, hesitancy, modesty, shyness, timidity, timidness, timorousness; civility, courteousness, courtesy, gentility, graciousness, mannerliness, manners

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See Synonym Discussion at temerity

Other Anatomy Terms

bilateral symmetry, carotid, cartilage, dorsal, entrails, prehensile, renal, solar plexus, supine, thoracic, ventral

Rhymes with NERVE

curve, MIRV, serve, slurve, swerve, verve