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 In addition to lowering cortisol, a warm bath can calm the nervous system by encouraging the body to release neurotransmitters like serotonin, which contribute to feelings of contentment and well-being. Georgia Day, Glamour, 1 Mar. 2024 Rest is a requirement for our gardens as well as for our own nervous systems. Tamara Yakaboski, The Denver Post, 26 Feb. 2024 In the study, which was published today in Nature Communications, the researchers observed changes that reveal how the disease disrupts the immune and nervous systems. Kamal Nahas, Scientific American, 21 Feb. 2024 After each first date, clients fill out a worksheet with questions like How did your nervous system feel? Hillary Hoffower, Fortune, 27 Jan. 2024 The substance can cause side effects in the nervous system, heart and stomach, with some effects mimicking opioid toxicity and withdrawal, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Berkeley Lovelace Jr., NBC News, 24 Jan. 2024 The slower pace of being in a garden or outdoor space during colder months allows our nervous systems to reset while allowing the garden to also reset before the next planting cycle. Tamara Yakaboski, The Denver Post, 26 Feb. 2024 Because our nervous system is still primarily wired for our survival, and anything that doesn’t comply with our expectations is seen as an initial threat. Hylke Faber, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2024 Attendees will learn about the connection between breath, the nervous system and anxiety. Marina Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 23 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'nervous system.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1703, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nervous system was in 1703

Dictionary Entries Near nervous system

Cite this Entry

“Nervous system.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nervous%20system. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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

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