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nervous system
noun
: the bodily system that in vertebrates is made up of the brain and spinal cord, nerves, ganglia, and parts of the receptor organs and that receives and interprets stimuli and transmits impulses to the effector organs see autonomic nervous system, central nervous system, peripheral nervous system
Examples of nervous system in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
To fight fatigue and help with stress on the body (and nervous system), use vitamin B12 or a whole vitamin B complex.
6.
—Emily Peck, WIRED, 31 Dec. 2024
In some cases, viruses travel via nerve endings to attack the nervous system or infiltrate major organs, further complicating the host's ability to fight the infection.
—Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 27 Dec. 2024
The first animals to develop nervous systems — likely during the Ediacaran period, 635 million years to 543 million years ago — would have used their brains to navigate, moving toward food or away from predators.
—Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 24 Dec. 2024
The pre-break scramble itself can also create a ton of stress—and over time, your nervous system may adjust or adapt to that level of overstimulation, Dr. Dattilo-Ryan says.
—Erica Sloan, SELF, 19 Dec. 2024
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Word History
First Known Use
1703, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near nervous system
Cite this Entry
“Nervous system.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nervous%20system. Accessed 15 Jan. 2025.
Kids Definition
nervous system
noun
: the bodily system that receives stimuli, decides on their importance, and sends nerve impulses to the organs of action and that in vertebrates is made up of brain and spinal cord, nerves, ganglia, and parts of the receptor organs
Medical Definition
nervous system
noun
: the bodily system that in vertebrates is made up of the brain and spinal cord, nerves, ganglia, and parts of the receptor organs and that receives and interprets stimuli and transmits impulses to the effector organs see autonomic nervous system, central nervous system, peripheral nervous system
More from Merriam-Webster on nervous system
Britannica English: Translation of nervous system for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about nervous system
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