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

In the second stage, the parasites invade the brain and central nervous system, causing severe neurological problems including confusion, dramatic disruptions to sleep patterns and, in advanced cases, coma. —Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026

Mechanism of action Naltrexone acts primarily by binding to and blocking the activity of opioid receptors in the central nervous system, particularly mu (μ) receptors. —Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 Mar. 2026

Studies show that cognitive performance, mood, and central nervous system functioning (for example, coordination) all begin to diminish at 15,000 feet. —Brad Stulberg, Outside, 26 Mar. 2026

The trials will also give a clearer answer as to whether targeting B cells in the central nervous system makes a difference in MS disease progression, Alvarez said. —Kaitlin Sullivan, NBC news, 15 Mar. 2026

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