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
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The process resembles how nerve cells transmit information in humans. Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 30 Mar. 2026 What the Signals Could Be Doing Previous research has suggested that fungi conduct electrical impulses through hyphae — long, thread-like filaments or tubes — in a way similar to how nerve cells transmit information in humans. Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 30 Mar. 2026 Studies suggest that starting in middle age, nerve cells in the locus coeruleus may get damaged by tau buildup, and that damage may correlate with declines in memory. Elizabeth Riley, The Conversation, 26 Mar. 2026 Supports Brain Function and Mood Vitamin B6 helps the body produce neurotransmitters—chemical messengers that carry signals between nerve cells. Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 15 Mar. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Nerve cell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nerve%20cell. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

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

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