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
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.
According to Healthline, testosterone may help protect the brain by slowing nerve cell death, promoting regeneration after injury, minimizing nerve damage and reducing inflammation in the nervous system. — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2026 Tau typically helps stabilize the internal scaffolding of nerve cells. — Mike McRae 13, New Atlas, 14 Oct. 2026 The progression of the cells towards their fates — to become, say, skin cells, muscle cells, or nerve cells — is like the ball rolling downhill through the landscape. — Quanta Magazine, 9 Oct. 2026 Deisseroth, a Stanford professor, helped adapt a light-sensitive protein discovered by Hegemann and Nagel into a way to control nerve cells in living mice. — Kostya Manenkov, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026 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

Rhymes for nerve cell

See All Rhymes for nerve cell

Browse Nearby Words

nerve agent
nerve cell
nerve center
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Nerve cell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nerve%20cell. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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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

More from Merriam-Webster on nerve cell

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about nerve cell

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