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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
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The platform also acts as the central nervous system for robots, compactly combining high-performance computing, sensors, and software to create a machine that can learn from its surroundings. Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 22 Nov. 2025 Walking backwards also activates the central nervous system and peripheral nerves. Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 18 Nov. 2025 The hammer extends our fist, the spear our teeth, the hut our skin, the wheel our feet — and electronic media extend our central nervous system to all of humankind. Big Think, 16 Nov. 2025 After being tested, authorities alleged Anders was impaired and under the influence of alcohol and central nervous system depressants. Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 14 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for central nervous system

Word History

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of central nervous system was in 1826

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Cite this Entry

“Central nervous system.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/central%20nervous%20system. Accessed 27 Nov. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on central nervous system

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