central nervous system

noun

Updated on: 13 Apr 2018

Definition of central nervous system

: 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

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Recent Examples of central nervous system from the Web

Multiple sclerosis is a disease of the central nervous system, which is made up of the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves.

— mary shannon wells, Southern Living, "Mothers of SEC Players Who Make Us Stand Up And Cheer," 7 Apr. 2018
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease of the central nervous system, which is made up of the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves.

— rebecca hazen, Houston Chronicle, "Multiple sclerosis comes in many faces," 4 Apr. 2018
Effects of short-term exposure may cause harm to the heart, kidneys and central nervous system.

— amy lieu, Fox News, "Chemical spill at Chicago-area medical clinic sends at least 15 to hospital," 28 Mar. 2018
The green splash is a microglial cell, which responds to immune reactions in the central nervous system.

— doug criss, CNN, "5 things for March 28: North Korea & China, Sacramento, water park death, new organ," 28 Mar. 2018
Six-year-old Ryker Roque passed away Sunday in Orlando, Florida after contracting rabies, a viral infection of the central nervous system that can cause paralysis, loss of consciousness, and death.

— lindsey lanquist, SELF, "A 6-Year-Old Boy Died From a Rabies Infection After Being Scratched by a Bat," 18 Jan. 2018
The company develops and commercializes products to treat central nervous system diseases.

— meredith cohn, baltimoresun.com, "Supernus Pharmaceuticals relocates to Gaithersburg, adds jobs," 14 Mar. 2018
In the mice that recapitulate MS, testosterone influences the behavior of mast cells in the lymph nodes, central nervous system, and lining of the brain.

— diana gitig, Ars Technica, "Testosterone may protect men from autoimmune diseases," 2 Feb. 2018
The chemicals work by disrupting the central nervous system.

— simon cotton, Scientific American, "Nerve Agents: What Are They and How Do They Work?," 9 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'central nervous system.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of central nervous system

1826

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

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