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.
Tests revealed that Matias had neuroblastoma, a rare childhood cancer that develops from immature nerve cells, per the Cleveland Clinic. — Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026 Polypyrimidine tract-binding protein 1 (PTBP1) binds to RNA in astrocytes, preventing them from taking on nerve cell characteristics. — Mike McRae 30, New Atlas, 31 Aug. 2026 The disease affects the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, causing loss of muscle control which gets progressively worse over time, according to the Mayo Clinic. — Martha Ross, Mercury News, 19 Aug. 2026 According to the Mayo Clinic, an astrocytoma is a type of brain tumor or spinal cord tumor that starts in cells called astrocytes, which help keep nerve cells healthy and working. — Leigh Blickley, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Aug. 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 3 Sep. 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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