nerve impulse

noun, Physiology
1.
a progressive wave of electric and chemical activity along a nerve fiber that stimulates or inhibits the action of a muscle, gland, or other nerve cell.
Origin
1895-1900
Examples from the web for nerve impulse
  • Bones and nerve endings in the middle and inner parts of the ear then send a nerve impulse that travels to the brain.
  • Your retina converts light energy into a nerve impulse that is carried to the brain and interpreted.
  • Bone cells do not have an appropriate structure for nerve impulse conduction.
British Dictionary definitions for nerve impulse

nerve impulse

noun
1.
the electrical wave transmitted along a nerve fibre, usually following stimulation of the nerve-cell body See also action potential
Contemporary definitions for nerve impulse
noun

a signal transmitted along a nerve fiber, starting with stimulation and then a wave of progressive alteration of electricity and becoming a record of sensation or instruction to act

nerve impulse in Medicine

nerve impulse n.
A wave of physical and chemical excitation that moves along a nerve fiber in response to a stimulus.