abducens nerve

noun

ab·​du·​cens nerve ab-ˈdü-ˌsenz- 

-ˈdyü-

: either of the sixth pair of cranial nerves that are motor nerves supplying the rectus on the outer and lateral side of each eye

called also abducens

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin (nervus) abdūcens, literally, "(nerve) pulling away," in reference to the abducting function of the muscle that the nerve controls; Medieval Latin abdūcens, present participle of abdūcere "to draw (a limb) away from the body" — more at abduct

First Known Use

1947, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

abducens nerve

noun

: either of the sixth pair of cranial nerves which are motor nerves, arise beneath the floor of the fourth ventricle, and supply the lateral rectus muscle of each eye

called also abducent nerve, sixth cranial nerve