adj. 1. a. Of or relating to the nerves or nervous system: nervous tissue. b. Stemming from or affecting the nerves or nervous system: a nervous disorder. 2. Easily agitated or distressed; high-strung or jumpy. 3. Marked by or having a feeling of unease or apprehension: nervous moments before takeoff. 4. Vigorous in style or feeling; spirited: "the nervous thrust of a modern creation" (Henry A. Kissinger). 5. Archaic Strong; sinewy. [Middle English, sinewy, containing nerves, from Latin nervōsus, sinewy, from nervus, sinew; see NERVE.] nervous·ly adv. nervous·ness n. |
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