"pain corresponding to the distribution of a nerve," 1807, from Greek neuron "nerve" (see neuro-) + -algia "pain." Probably formed on model of French névralgie (1801). Related: Neuralgic.
Entries linking to neuralgia
neuro-
before vowels neur-, word-forming element meaning "pertaining to a nerve or nerves or the nervous system," from Greek neura "nerve" (Galen), originally "sinew, bowstring," also neuron "sinew, string (of a bow or musical instrument); cord; penis;" in plural "strength, vigor," from PIE *(s)neuro- "tendon, sinew" (see nerve (n.)). In Greek, puppets were neurospastos, literally "drawn by strings."
-algia
word-forming element denoting "pain," from Greek algos "pain," algein "to feel pain," which is of unknown origin. Related to alegein "to care about," originally "to feel pain."