noun

• (nonstandard, colloquial) A neuron.
• (botany) A vein in a leaf; a grain in wood.
  "Some plants have ornamental value because of their contrasting nerves."
• (in the plural) One's neural structures considered collectively as, and conceptually equated with, one's psyche.
  "All these rationalizations for asinine behavior are getting on my nerves."
• (in the plural) Mental agitation caused by fear, stress or other negative emotions.
  "Ellie had a bad case of nerves before the big test; she was a bundle of nerves."

verb

• (transitive) To give courage.
  "May their example nerve us to face the enemy."
• (transitive) To give strength; to supply energy or vigour.
  "The liquor nerved up several of the men after their icy march."
• (transitive, informal) To perform a neurectomy on (someone or something).
  "She has been trying everything (wedge pads, bar shoes, etc.) and he is still dead lame. Someone has suggested nerving him, which (I believe - correct me if I am wrong!) involves cutting the main nerve in his foot so he can be ridden without pain."
• (transitive, informal, rare) To get on (someone’s) nerves; to annoy, irritate, or bother (someone).
  "I guess, my previous message never came in the net..so again: (hope, i don't nerve anyone) We want to combine different LAN's via fiberoptic cable (Monomode) to the Internet."