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

These are conditions in which cells in the central nervous system do not perform properly and eventually die. —Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 9 Oct. 2024

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

Word History

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined above

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