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

Many also claim that the minerals help reduce blood pressure and calm the nervous system, thus soothing stress and improving sleep quality. —Alice Nardiotti, Vogue, 10 Apr. 2025

Paleontologist Joanna Wolfe of Harvard University, one of the authors of the 2023 study, notes that researchers noticed some insects and crustaceans had the same structures in their eyes and nervous systems. —Riley Black, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 Apr. 2025

Their nervous system, conditioned to expect conflict, might start associating drama with familiarity and safety. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025

The virus can directly invade the nervous system and also damage it by causing inflammation. —Peter Kasson, The Conversation, 31 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