noun / verb

nerve

NURV/nɜːrv/

A bundle of fibers that carries signals through the body.

A nerve runs from the lower spine down the thigh.

An isolated posterior anatomical specimen showing a brain and spinal cord above a translucent pelvis and upper leg, with one prominent peripheral nerve emerging from lumbar and sacral roots and continuing down the thigh.

Etymology

Latin nervus named sinews and tendons as well as cords and strings. The anatomical meaning preserves that cordlike image in the fibers that convey sensation and movement between the brain or spinal cord and the body.

In context

Headache and Migraine Help2:20

This event can activate pain pathways involving the trigeminal nerve leading to the pain associated with migraines.

What Triggers a Migraine Instead of a Headache? | Headache and Migraine Help

More examples

Nerves in your fingertips help you feel different textures.
A pinched nerve causes pain in her shoulder.
This nerve carries signals that make the muscle contract.

Forms

nerve · nerves

nervous adjective — Relating to nerves or their functions.