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

Are they expected to manage their own nervous systems well and help others do the same? —Dr. Joel M. Rothaizer, McC, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024

Favre, 55, announced last month that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a movement disorder that affects the nervous system. —Alison Dirr, Journal Sentinel, 30 Oct. 2024

Calm my nervous system down by focusing on my kids. —Matt Brennan, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2024

Mercury content is also something to be wary of, especially for pregnant or breastfeeding women, as high levels of mercury can be harmful to developing nervous systems. —Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 8 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1703, in the meaning defined above

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