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

In addition to seven treatment rooms, an immersive hydrotherapy circuit, and dedicated spaces including a steam room, sauna, whirlpools, a cold plunge, and a full-service salon, every detail is curated to recalibrate the nervous system and ground the senses. —Ashlee Marie Preston, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025

The eyes are unique—they’re the only part of the nervous system that doctors can examine visually. —Sonali Bloom, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025

Having researched the role of the cycad seed in the Guam cluster, Spencer knew that some mushrooms contain toxins that can powerfully affect the nervous system. —Shayla Love, The Atlantic, 23 Mar. 2025

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that affects the nervous system, the National Institutes of Health says. —Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 19 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1703, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for nervous system

• cryptosystem
• ecosystem
• intersystem
• multisystem
• photosystem
• subsystem

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