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

L3Harris is being tasked with upgrading the flight-test instrumentation—essentially a high-tech nervous system for an unarmed missile. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 4 May 2026

Slow, deep breaths that lengthen the exhale send a signal of safety to the nervous system. —Kansas City Star, 4 May 2026

Conversations replay in their mind, unfinished tasks resurface, and their nervous system seems unwilling to power down. —Danielle Wilhour, Washington Post, 3 May 2026

These hazardous pollutants can cause cancer and damage the nervous system and liver. —The Sacramento Bee Staff, Sacbee.com, 30 Apr. 2026

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