afferent

1 of 2

adjective

af·​fer·​ent ˈa-fə-rənt 

-ˌfer-ənt,

-ˌfe-rənt

: bearing or conducting inward

specifically : conveying impulses toward the central nervous system compare efferent

afferently adverb

afferent

2 of 2

noun

: an afferent vessel (as a blood or lymphatic vessel) or nerve

Examples of afferent in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Multiple sclerosis can cause optic nerve damage, which leads to an abnormal response of the pupils known as afferent pupillary defect (APD). —Troy Bedinghaus, Od, Verywell Health, 17 July 2023

Noun

When a touch stimulates the C-tactile afferent, the body releases the hormone oxytocin, which regulates good moods. —Anne Saker, The Enquirer, 15 Sep. 2020

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

borrowed from French afférent, borrowed from Latin afferent-, afferens, present participle of afferre "to bring along or with," from ad- ad- + ferre "to carry" — more at bear entry 2

Noun

derivative of afferent entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

1828, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1949, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

afferent

adjective

af·​fer·​ent

ˈaf-ə-rənt,

ˈaf-ˌer-ənt

: bearing or conducting inward

especially : conveying impulses toward the central nervous system

afferently adverb

Medical Definition

afferent

1 of 2 adjective

af·​fer·​ent ˈaf-ə-rənt  -ˌer-ənt 

: bearing or conducting inward

specifically : conveying impulses toward the central nervous system compare efferent entry 1

afferently adverb

afferent

2 of 2 noun

: an afferent anatomical part (as a nerve)

the effect on the hypothalamus of afferents from the stomach