nerve
• noun 1 a fibre or bundle of fibres in the body that transmits impulses of sensation between the brain or spinal cord and other parts of the body. 2 (nerves or one’s nerve) steadiness and courage in a demanding situation: the journey tested her nerves to the full. 3 (nerves) nervousness. 4 informal impudence or audacity. • verb (nerve oneself) brace oneself for a demanding situation. — PHRASES get on someone’s nerves informal irritate someone. touch (or hit) a (raw) nerve refer to a sensitive topic. — ORIGIN Latin nervus; related to Greek neuron (see NEURON).
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