Category:Nervous

Nerv"ous, a. Etym: [l. nervosus sinewy, vigorous: cf. F. nerveux. See Nerve.]

1. possessing nerve; sinewy; strong; vigorous. "nervous arms." Pope.

2. Possessing or manifesting vigor of mind; characterized by strength In sentiment or style; forcible; spirited; as, a nervous writer.

3. Of or pertaining to the nerves; seated in the nerves; as, nervous Excitement; a nervous fever.

4. Having the nerves weak, diseased, or easily excited; subject to, Or suffering from, undue excitement of the nerves; easily agitated or Annoyed. Poor, weak, nervous creatures. Cheyne.

5. Sensitive; excitable; timid. Our aristocratic class does not firmly protest against the unfair Treatment of irish catholics, because it is nervous about the land. M. Arnold. Nervous fever (med.), a low form of fever characterized by great Disturbance of the nervous system, as evinced by delirium, or stupor, Disordered sensibility, etc. -- nervous system (anat.), the specialized coördinating apparatus Which endows animals with sensation and volition. In vertebrates it Is often divided into three systems: the central, brain and spinal Cord; the peripheral, cranial and spinal nerves; and the sympathetic. See brain, nerve, spinal cord, under spinal, and sympathetic system, Under sympathetic, and illust. in appendix. -- nervous temperament, a condition of body characterized by a General predominance of mental manifestations. Mayne.