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facial nerve
noun
: either of the seventh pair of cranial nerves that supply motor fibers especially to the muscles of the face and jaw and sensory and parasympathetic fibers to the tongue, palate, and fauces
Examples of facial nerve in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
It’s caused by inflammation of the facial nerve called cranial nerve 7.
—Laura Dorwart, Verywell Health, 13 Aug. 2024
Microvascular decompression surgery may be considered in some cases for hemifacial spasms to relieve pressure on the facial nerve causing the spasms, but surgical options are invasive and can carry certain risks, ophthalmologists said.
—Lindsey Bever, Washington Post, 27 July 2024
Bell’s palsy—an inflammation that affects the facial nerves—can also sometimes show up and cause your face to get weak or droop on one side.
—Julia Sullivan, SELF, 6 May 2024
An incision is made along the ear, avoiding damage to the facial nerve.
—Adrienne Dellwo, Verywell Health, 15 July 2022
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Word History
First Known Use
1798, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near facial nerve
Cite this Entry
“Facial nerve.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/facial%20nerve. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.
Medical Definition
facial nerve
noun
: either of the seventh pair of cranial nerves that supply motor fibers especially to the muscles of the face and jaw and sensory and parasympathetic fibers to the tongue, palate, and fauces
called also seventh cranial nerve, seventh nerve
More from Merriam-Webster on facial nerve
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about facial nerve
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