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 Additionally, because the brain is constantly active, magnesium helps prevent nerve cells from becoming overstimulated. Jocelyn Solis-Moreira, Scientific American, 16 Feb. 2024 Plus, Kin’s addition of ingredients like caffeine and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that inhibits nerve cell’s ability to receive stress signals, intend to give you a boost of energy while reducing stress—the sweet spot for any kind of socializing. Sam Stone, Bon Appétit, 1 Feb. 2024 The toxin makes its way into nerve cells and cleaves a critical protein complex necessary for the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, halting nerve signaling. Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 24 Jan. 2024 What Is Serotonin? Serotonin, or 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), is a chemical in the human body that carries messages between nerve cells in the brain and throughout the body. Sara Novak, Discover Magazine, 22 Dec. 2023 But the autopsy done following Bridges’ death in 1987 showed that her brain was missing the telltale signs of Alzheimer’s disease — plaques, or abnormal clusters of beta-amyloid protein fragments, and tau tangles from dead nerve cells. Lauren J. Mapp, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Nov. 2023 No one knew whether the nerve cells that communicate with the hair cells of the cochlea would still be intact and functional in someone who had been deaf for 11 years, Dr. Simons of Lilly said. Gina Kolata, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2024 Heading this effort is the gut’s very own network of nerve cells, known as the enteric nervous system, which weaves through the intestinal walls from the esophagus down to the rectum. Yasemin Saplakoglu, WIRED, 14 Jan. 2024 Researchers from Harvard Medical School found that the bacterium can directly activate nerve cells in mice. Aria Bendix, NBC News, 23 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'nerve cell.' 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

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 18 Mar. 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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