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

Stimulants can have dangerous health effects by damaging the nervous system and increasing blood pressure, heart rate and breathing, the complaint says. —Jonathan Limehouse, USA TODAY, 22 May 2024

Large doses of them are lethal, and chronic exposures permanently damage the nervous system. —Stephen Wooding, The Conversation, 1 May 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