Nerve

(14), n. [Lat. nervus, Gr. νεῦρον, νευρά, It. & Pg. nervo, Sp. nervio, Pr. nervi, Fr. nerf, Ger. nerv.]

1Sense 1. A sinew; a tendon. [Rare.] Pope.

2Sense 2. Hence, physical force or steadiness; muscular power and control; also, steadiness and firmness of mind; self-command in personal danger, or under suffering; unshaken courage and endurance.

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

3Sense 3. (Anat.) One of the bundles of fibers which establish a communication between the various parts of the animal body, and the brain and spinal cord, or the central ganglia. The nerve-fiber is an exceedingly delicate tube of transparent membrane, inclosing a band or conducting cord (the axis band), which is uninterrupted from its origin in the central organs to its peripheral termination, and is insulated by an oleaginous substance which fills that portion of the tube not occupied by the central band. These fibers, bound together by fibrous tissue, constitute a nerve.

4Sense 4. (Bot.) One of the fibers extending from the stem of a leaf, or its surface, when simple and parallel.