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central nervous system
noun
: the part of the nervous system which in vertebrates consists of the brain and spinal cord, to which sensory impulses are transmitted and from which motor impulses pass out, and which coordinates the activity of the entire nervous system compare peripheral nervous system
Examples of central nervous system in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The effects of the drug slow down the central nervous system and may cause sleepiness and relaxed mood.
—Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 22 Oct. 2024
These chemicals can cause problems such as eye, nose and throat irritation and damage to the liver, kidney and central nervous system, the federal agency said.
—Madeline Holcombe, CNN, 14 Oct. 2024
Central sleep apnea occurs when the brain fails to send signals to the central nervous system instructing respiration to take place.
—Jeffrey Kluger, TIME, 8 Oct. 2024
Effects on the Brain Vasopressin is also a central neurotransmitter, meaning a chemical messenger that acts on the central nervous system (comprised of the brain and spinal cord).
—James Myhre & Dennis Sifris, Md, Verywell Health, 24 Sep. 2024
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Word History
First Known Use
1826, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of central nervous system was
in 1826
Dictionary Entries Near central nervous system
Cite this Entry
“Central nervous system.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/central%20nervous%20system. Accessed 15 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
central nervous system
noun
: the part of the nervous system that in vertebrates consists of the brain and spinal cord
Medical Definition
central nervous system
noun
: the part of the nervous system which in vertebrates consists of the brain and spinal cord, to which sensory impulses are transmitted and from which motor impulses pass out, and which supervises and coordinates the activity of the entire nervous system compare autonomic nervous system, peripheral nervous system
More from Merriam-Webster on central nervous system
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about central nervous system
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