nerve — bundle of fibers that carry messages between the brain and other parts of the body
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: bundle of fibers that carry messages between the brain and other parts of the body
Pronunciation (IPA): /nɜːrv/
Example Sentences
- My little brother really gets on my nerves when he keeps asking 'Are we there yet?' during road trips.
- She had the nerve to wear white to someone else's wedding.
- The spicy food damaged my taste nerves so badly that even water tasted like fire.
nerve
NOUN[/nɜːrv/]
bundle of fibers that carry messages between the brain and other parts of the body
She finally gathered enough nerve to speak in front of the audience.
The athlete showed great nerve during the final competition.
He preserved his nerve and deserved success in the end.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Derived from Latin nervus, originally meaning tendon or sinew. In ancient times, tendons and nerves were not distinguished anatomically, so both were called by the same term. The meaning later extended to 'courage' or 'boldness', reflecting the metaphorical association of physical strength with mental fortitude.
Breakdown
Latin nervus (sinew, tendon, nerve) → English nerve. The word retained its anatomical sense while developing the figurative meaning of courage or confidence.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My little brother really gets on my nerves when he keeps asking 'Are we there yet?' during road trips.”
“She had the nerve to wear white to someone else's wedding.”
“The spicy food damaged my taste nerves so badly that even water tasted like fire.”
“I was a bundle of nerves before my job interview, but everything went smoothly.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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