nerve (nûrv)n.1. Any of the cordlike bundles of fibers made up of neurons through which sensory stimuli and motor impulses pass between the brain or other parts of the central nervous system and the eyes, glands, muscles, and other parts of the body. Nerves form a network of pathways for conducting information throughout the body.2. The sensitive tissue in the pulp of a tooth.3. A sore point or sensitive subject: The criticism touched a nerve.4. a. Courage and control under pressure: lost his nerve at the last minute.b. Fortitude; stamina.c. Forceful quality; boldness.d. Brazen boldness; effrontery: had the nerve to deny it.5. nerves Nervous agitation caused by fear, anxiety, or stress: had a sudden attack of nerves.6. A vein or rib in the wing of an insect.7. The midrib and larger veins in a leaf.tr.v. nerved, nerv·ing, nerves To give strength or courage to.Idioms: get on (someone’s) nerves To irritate or exasperate. strain every nerve To make every effort.[Middle English, sinew, nerve, from Old French nerf, from Medieval Latin nervus, from Latin; see (s)ne?u- in Indo-European roots.]American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.nerve (n??v) n1. (Anatomy) any of the cordlike bundles of fibres that conduct sensory or motor impulses between the brain or spinal cord and another part of the body. 2. courage, bravery, or steadfastness3. lose one’s nerve to become timid, esp failing to perform some audacious act4. informal boldness or effrontery; impudence: he had the nerve to swear at me. 5. muscle or sinew (often in the phrase strain every nerve)6. (Botany) a large vein in a leaf7. (Zoology) any of the veins of an insect’s wing8. touch a nerve touch a raw nerve hit a nerve hit a raw nerve strike a nerve strike a raw nerve to mention or bring to mind a sensitive issue or subjectvb (tr) 9. to give courage to (oneself); steel (oneself)10. to provide with nerve or nerves[C16: from Latin nervus; related to Greek neuron; compare Sanskrit sn?van sinew]Collins English Dictionary ? Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014nerve (n?rv) n., v. nerved, nerv?ing. n. 1. one or more bundles of fibers forming part of a system that conveys impulses of sensation, motion, etc., between the brain or spinal cord and other parts of the body. 2. courage under trying circumstances. 3. boldness; impertinence. 4. nerves, nervousness: an attack of nerves. 5. strength, vigor, or energy. 6. a sinew or tendon: to strain every nerve. 7. (not in technical use) the pulp of a tooth. 8. a vein, as in a leaf. v.t. 9. to give strength, vigor, or courage to. Idioms: get on someone’s nerves, to irritate or annoy someone. [1350?1400;