nə:v n. & v. --n. 1 a a
fibre or
bundle of fibres
that transmits impulses of
sensation or
motion between the brain or
spinal cord and other parts of the
body. b the
material constituting
these. 2 a coolness in
danger;
bravery;
assurance. b colloq. impudence, audacity (they've
got a nerve). 3 (in pl.) a the
bodily state in
regard to
physical sensitiveness and the
interaction between the brain and other parts. b a state of heightened nervousness or
sensitivity; a
condition of
mental or physical
stress (need to
calm my nerves). 4 a
rib of a
leaf,
esp. the
midrib. 5
poet.
archaic a
sinew or
tendon. --v.tr. 1 (usu. refl.)
brace (oneself) to
face danger, suffering, etc. 2
give strength,
vigour, or
courage to. øget on a person's nerves
irritate or
annoy a
person.
have nerves of
iron (or steel) (of a person etc.) be
not easily upset or frightened. nerve-cell an elongated branched
cell transmitting impulses in nerve
tissue. nerve-centre 1 a
group of closely
connected nerve cells associated in performing
some function. 2 the
centre of
control of an
organization etc. nerve
gas a poisonous gas affecting the
nervous system. nerve-racking
stressful, frightening; straining the nerves. øønerved adj. (also in comb.). [ME, = sinew, f. L nervus, rel. to Gk neuron]
