nerve Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun any bundle of nerve fibers running to various organs and tissues of the body
nervus.
noun the courage to carry on
heart; spunk; mettle.
- he kept fighting on pure spunk
- you haven't got the heart for baseball
noun impudent aggressiveness
brass; cheek; boldness; face.
- I couldn't believe her boldness
- he had the effrontery to question my honesty
verb get ready for something difficult or unpleasant
steel.

OE. nerfe, F. nerf, L. nervus, akin to Gr. sinew, nerve; cf. string, bowstring; perh. akin to E. needle. Cf. Neuralgia.

(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. ✍ 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.
A sinew or a tendon. Pope.
Physical force or steadiness; muscular power and control; constitutional vigor.
he led me on to mightiest deeds, Above the nerve of mortal arm. Milton.
Steadiness and firmness of mind; self-command in personal danger, or under suffering; unshaken courage and endurance; coolness; pluck; resolution.
Audacity; assurance. Slang
(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.
(Zoöl.) One of the nervures, or veins, in the wings of insects.

imperfect & past participle Nerved ; present participle & verbal noun Nerving