nerve cell

noun

1

: a grayish or reddish granular cell with specialized processes that is the fundamental functional unit of nervous tissue transmitting and receiving nerve impulses : neuron

2

: cell body

Examples of nerve cell in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For example, high levels might tell a cell to become a nerve cell, medium levels tell it to become a skin cell, and low levels might signal a cell to become connective tissue. —New Atlas, 26 Dec. 2024

The virus spreads through contaminated food, water, or direct contact with an infected individual, attacking nerve cells in the spinal cord and leading to muscle weakness, degeneration, and paralysis. —Tim Ryan, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024

Vitamin B12 Vitamin B12, which is found naturally in fish, meat, eggs, and dairy, plays a number of important roles in the body, including supporting nerve cells and aiding the production of DNA. —Jamie Ducharme, TIME, 17 Dec. 2024

According to the Mayo Clinic, because the disease affects the nerve cells in the brain and spine that control muscle movement, patients slowly lose their ability to speak, eat, walk, and breathe on their own. —Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 31 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

nerve cell

noun

: neuron

also : cell body

Medical Definition

nerve cell

noun

1

: a grayish or reddish granular cell with specialized processes that is the fundamental functional unit of nervous tissue : neuron

2

: cell body