plexus

noun

plex·​us ˈplek-səs How to pronounce plexus (audio)
plural plexuses ˈplek-sə-səz How to pronounce plexus (audio)
1
: a network of anastomosing or interlacing blood vessels or nerves
2
: an interwoven combination of parts or elements in a structure or system

Examples of plexus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
It is primarily produced by a network of cells called the choroid plexus, which is located in the brain’s ventricles or cavities. Danielle Wilhour, Discover Magazine, 15 Aug. 2024 Increasing your caffeine consumption to an equivalent of three to four cups of coffee per day can also help by increasing CSF production through stimulating the choroid plexus. Danielle Wilhour, The Conversation, 14 Aug. 2024 It is primarily produced by a network of cells called the choroid plexus, which is located in the brain’s ventricles, or cavities. Danielle Wilhour, The Conversation, 14 Aug. 2024 In the choroid plexus, a tissue in the large cavities of the brain that produces cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), the walls of blood vessels are much leakier. Yasemin Saplakoglu, Quanta Magazine, 20 June 2023 Hormones, such as inflammatory cytokines, neurotransmitters, and kinins, interact between the brain and the gut’s local area, called the myenteric plexus, explains Cynthia Quainoo, MD, a gastroenterologist at Gastroenterology Associates of Brooklyn. Addison Aloian, Women's Health, 21 Apr. 2023 However, a tuft of pubic hair is suddenly obstructed by coils of intestine and a plexus of blood vessels and nerve endings. Erik Morse, Vogue, 31 Mar. 2023 Alpha-klotho is highly abundant in a central structure of the brain called the choroid plexus. William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2023 Little’s plexus and ... 10. Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Apr. 2022

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin plectere to braid — more at ply

First Known Use

1666, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of plexus was in 1666

Dictionary Entries Near plexus

Cite this Entry

“Plexus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plexus. Accessed 19 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

plexus

noun
plex·​us ˈplek-səs How to pronounce plexus (audio)
plural plexuses
: a network especially of blood vessels or nerves

Medical Definition

plexus

noun
plex·​us ˈplek-səs How to pronounce plexus (audio)
plural plexuses
: a network of anastomosing or interlacing blood vessels or nerves

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