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.
The technology was developed and tested in close collaboration with a person living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurological disease that gradually destroys the nerve cells controlling voluntary muscle movement. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 7 July 2026 Work published in 2025 out of the University of Washington and the University of the Basque Country showed these cells can be steered in the lab into becoming nerve cells, heart muscle, and bone. — Allison Palmer july 6, Charlotte Observer, 6 July 2026 Similar reductions were seen among participants with higher levels of two other biomarkers linked to nerve cell injury and inflammation. — Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 6 July 2026 The condition is progressive, with nerve cell damage in the brain increasing over time. — Yi-Jin Yu, ABC News, 1 July 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 10 Jul. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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