\Nerve\, n. [OE. nerfe, F. nerf, L. nervus, akin to Gr. ?
sinew, nerve; cf. ? string, bowstring; perh. akin to E.
needle. Cf. {Neuralgia}.]
1. (Anat.) One of the whitish and elastic bundles of fibers,
   with the accompanying tissues, which transmit nervous
   impulses between nerve centers and various parts of the
   animal body.

Note: An ordinary nerve is made up of several bundles of
      nerve fibers, each bundle inclosed in a special sheath
      (the perineurium) and all bound together in a
      connective tissue sheath and framework (the epineurium)
      containing blood vessels and lymphatics.

2. A sinew or a tendon. --Pope.

3. Physical force or steadiness; muscular power and control;
   constitutional vigor.

         he led me on to mightiest deeds, Above the nerve of
         mortal arm.                           --Milton.

4. Steadiness and firmness of mind; self-command in personal
   danger, or under suffering; unshaken courage and
   endurance; coolness; pluck; resolution.

5. Audacity; assurance. [Slang]

6. (Bot.) One of the principal fibrovascular bundles or ribs
   of a leaf, especially when these extend straight from the
   base or the midrib of the leaf.

7. (Zo["o]l.) One of the nervures, or veins, in the wings of
   insects.

{Nerve cell} (Anat.), one of the nucleated cells with which
   nerve fibers are connected; a ganglion cell.



{Nerve fiber} (Anat.), one of the fibers of which nerves are
   made up. These fibers are either {medullated} or
   {nonmedullated}. in both kinds the essential part is the
   translucent threadlike axis cylinder which is continuous
   the whole length of the fiber.

{Nerve stretching} (Med.), the operation of stretching a
   nerve in order to remedy diseases such as tetanus, which
   are supposed to be influenced by the condition of the
   nerve or its connections.

\Nerve\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Nerved}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Nerving}.]
To give strength or vigor to; to supply with force; as, fear
nerved his arm.