facial nerve

NOUN

motor nerve of face

Synonyms

WEAK

CN VII cranial nerve VII cranial nerve seven nervus facialis seventh cranial nerve

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

One of the most surprising discoveries involved the trigeminal nerve, a major facial nerve responsible for facial sensation and certain motor functions.

From Science Daily • May 23, 2026

When she woke from surgery, Susannah's smile was crooked - but medics explained this was temporary because the facial nerve had to be moved to get to the tumour.

From BBC • Dec. 22, 2024

Doctors determined the symptoms were a result of swelling of a facial nerve, “most likely caused by a post-viral infection,” she said.

From Washington Times • Jul. 31, 2023

One side of her face was drooping, apparently from Ramsay Hunt syndrome, which can occur when the shingles virus reaches a facial nerve near the ears.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 19, 2023

In addition, the doctor who had repaired my facial nerve installed a tiny electronic sound transmitter called a cochlear implant deep behind my ear.

From "Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Changed the World" by Malala Yousafzai