optic nerve

noun

: either of the second pair of cranial nerves that pass from the retina to the optic chiasma and conduct visual stimuli to the brain see eye illustration

Examples of optic nerve in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web This habit can increase the risk of AMD and cataracts and damage the optic nerve. Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 11 Oct. 2024 The optic nerve is similar to a telephone cable that connects the eye to the occipital cortex at the very back of the brain, where what is viewed is then processed and interpreted. Gary Stix, Scientific American, 1 Oct. 2024 The optic nerve was still enormously swollen despite the five-day course of IV steroids. Katie Gutierrez, TIME, 19 Sep. 2024 The optic nerve is located at the back of the eye and sends visual messages to the brain. Mark Gurarie, Health, 3 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for optic nerve 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'optic nerve.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of optic nerve was in 1615

Dictionary Entries Near optic nerve

Cite this Entry

“Optic nerve.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/optic%20nerve. Accessed 30 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

optic nerve

noun
: either of a pair of sensory nerves that are the second pair of cranial nerves and carry visual information from the retina of the eye to the brain

Medical Definition

optic nerve

noun
: either of the pair of sensory nerves that comprise the second pair of cranial nerves, arise from the ventral part of the diencephalon, form an optic chiasma before passing to the eye and spreading over the anterior surface of the retina, and conduct visual stimuli to the brain

called also second cranial nerve

More from Merriam-Webster on optic nerve

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