noun

1. a sinew or tendon: now only in the phr. strain every nerve, to try as hard as possible
2. any of the cordlike fibers or bundles of fibers connecting the body organs with the central nervous system (the brain and the spinal cord) and parts of the nervous system with each other, and carrying impulses to and from the brain or a nerve center
3. the pulp of a tooth, including the nerves, blood vessels, etc.
4. emotional control; coolness in danger; courage a man of nerve
5. strength; energy; vigor
6. the nervous system regarded as indicating health, emotional stability, endurance, etc.
7. 1. nervousness
   2. an attack of this; hysteria
8. Informal impudent boldness; audacity; brazenness
9. Biol. a rib or vein in a leaf or insect's wing

Etymology: ME nerfe < OFr nerf < L nervus, sinew, nerve, string < IE base *(s)nēu-, to twist, wind > Gr neuron, tendon, nerve, OE sneowan, to hurry

transitive verb nerved, nerving nerv′·ing