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
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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 See all Example Sentences for central nervous system 

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

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