nerve
UK: nɜːv | US: nɜːrv
n. 1. a bundle of fibers in the body that transmits signals between the brain and other parts
n. 2. courage or boldness in facing challenges
n. 3. (informal) audacity or impudence
vt. (rare) to give strength or courage
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The word "nerve" originates from the Latin nervus, meaning "sinew, tendon, or bowstring," later extended to "bodily fiber conveying sensation." It entered Old French as nerf before being adopted into Middle English. The semantic shift from physical fibers to metaphorical "courage" (16th c.) reflects the idea of inner strength being tied to bodily resilience.
The sciatic nerve is the longest in the human body.
It took great nerve to confront the unfair policy.
She had the nerve to ask for a raise after being late all week.
The surgeon carefully avoided damaging any nerves during the operation.
His encouraging words nerveless her before the performance.