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

Because the retina is an extension of the central nervous system, these changes mirror pathological processes occurring in the brain. —Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 1 Jan. 2026

The somatic strength trainer, Melinda Hughes Melinda Hughes would like to get to know your central nervous system — and you too. —Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 1 Jan. 2026

Someone camped illegally within 150 feet of the Creek Trail and was under the influence of a central nervous system stimulant. —Jake Richardson, Mercury News, 30 Dec. 2025

Hangover symptoms occur because alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, Julia Adamian, MD, an internal medicine specialist at NYU Langone Health tells SELF. —Ciara Lucas, SELF, 30 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for central nervous system

• cryptosystem
• ecosystem
• intersystem
• multisystem
• photosystem
• subsystem

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