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

Examples of nerve cell in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This disorder occurs when nerve cells in the spinal cord and brain amplify pain signals even when the original injury or source of pain has healed. Heather Margonari, Discover Magazine, 28 Nov. 2024 In Alzheimer’s, nerve cells in the brain at some point start to dysfunction, leading to the debilitating symptoms of memory loss. Linda Carroll, NBC News, 1 Nov. 2024 Their work helped explain how cells specialize and develop into different types, such as muscle and nerve cells, even though all the cells in a person contain the same set of genes and instructions for growing and staying alive. Niklas Pollard, USA TODAY, 7 Oct. 2024 Over time, these things can damage neurons (nerve cells that send and receive signals from your brain) and disrupt communication.24 Eating a high-sugar diet that lacks essential nutrients that support brain health, like antioxidants and omega-3s, can further increase the risk of cognitive decline. Lauren Panoff, Mph, Rd, Verywell Health, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for nerve cell 

Word History

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of nerve cell was in 1840

Dictionary Entries Near nerve cell

Cite this Entry

“Nerve cell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nerve%20cell. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on nerve cell

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