Langimage
English

nerves

|nerves|

B2

🇺🇸

/nɜrvz/

🇬🇧

/nɜːvz/

(nerve)

fiber transmitting impulses

Base FormPlural3rd Person Sing.PastPast ParticiplePresent ParticipleAdjective
nervenervesnervesnervednervednervingnerved
Etymology
Etymology Information

'nerve' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'nervus', where 'nervus' meant 'sinew, tendon'.

Historical Evolution

'nervus' transformed into the Old French word 'nerf', and eventually became the modern English word 'nerve' through Middle English.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'sinew or tendon', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'fiber that transmits impulses'.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

bundles of fibers that transmit impulses of sensation to the brain or spinal cord, and impulses from these to the muscles and organs.

The surgeon carefully avoided cutting any nerves during the operation.

Synonyms

Noun 2

a person's mental state in terms of their ability to remain calm and composed.

She had nerves of steel during the presentation.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35