sinew Copy link Outline 1. nervus2. perh. lăcertus (strictly, the muscle of the upper part of the arm • sinew: 1. nervus: Cic.: Cels.: to strain every s. (put forth every effort), omnes n. contendere, Cic. Verr. Act. 1, 12, 35; so, nervos intendere, Ter. Eun. 2, 3, 20. Oft. fig., s.s of war, nervi belli (pecunia), Cic. Ph. 5, 2, 5: and with ref. to vigour of style, id. Or. 19, 62. Dimin., nervulus (playfully), Cic. Att. 16, 16, C. 2. perh. lăcertus (strictly, the muscle of the upper part of the arm: hence, fig., nervous or muscular energy): cf. Cic. Br. 16, fin.: in Lysia saepe sunt lacerti (such sinewy vigour, force), sic ut fieri nihil possit valentius.