nerv

IPA/nˈɜːv/
IPA/nˈɜːv/

nerv — combining form

1. relating to a nerve or to the thin fibers that carry electrical signals between

1.構詞成分B2
釋義

relating to a nerve or to the thin fibers that carry electrical signals between the brain and the rest of the body.

例句

The dentist injected an anesthetic to block the nerve signals in Valentina's lower left molar.

nerve signals — the electrical messages carried by a nerve fiber

When Eitan touches a hot pan, his nerve endings send pain signals to the brain.

同義詞
  • neur-

    Greek-derived equivalent combining form (as in neuron, neurology); used in more technical or clinical contexts than nerv-

  • neuro-

    Variant of the Greek combining form; appears in neuroscience, neurosurgeon

文法句型

nerv- + noun suffix (nerve, nervous, nervousness)

用法筆記

The combining form nerv- never stands alone as an independent English word. It appears as the root of words such as nerve (noun), nervous (adjective), nervousness (noun), and nervy (adjective). It comes from the Latin word nervus, meaning sinew or tendon.

常見錯誤

❌I have a nerv in my tooth.
✅I have a nerve problem in my tooth.
💡The combining form nerv- cannot be used alone as a noun; use the full word nerve or nervous.
❌The nerv system controls the body.
✅The nervous system controls the body.
💡When describing the system, use the adjective nervous, not the bare combining form.

2. relating to the entire network of nerves, the spinal cord, and the brain that co

2.構詞成分B2
釋義

relating to the entire network of nerves, the spinal cord, and the brain that controls the body's movements, sensations, and automatic functions.

例句

Valentina's doctor prescribed a daily pill to calm her overactive nervous system.

nervous system — the full network of nerves including the brain and spinal cord

Regular exercise strengthens the entire nervous system and helps older adults maintain better balance.

同義詞
  • neur-

    Greek counterpart used in neurology, neuron; can replace nerv- in many formal medical terms

  • neural

    Adjective form of neur-, meaning 'relating to nerves or the nervous system'

文法句型

nerv- + adjective suffix (nervous system)

用法筆記

This sense refers to the nervous system as a whole, rather than to a single nerve fiber (sense 1). The word nervous in everyday language often means 'worried or anxious,' but in biological terms it specifically means 'relating to the nerves or nervous system.' Distinguish the combining form from the adjective nervous, which has both an anatomical meaning (nervous system) and a psychological meaning (feeling anxious).

常見錯誤

❌She has a strong nerve system.
✅She has a strong nervous system.
💡Use the full adjective form nervous when referring to the system; the bare combining form is not an English word.