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

Diagnosed at 2 years old, the rare disorder affects Limaye's central nervous system, forcing her to use a walker to get around. —Leondra Head, CBS News, 12 May 2026

For decades, festivals functioned as a central nervous system for discovery, press, acquisition, and audience. —Dana Harris-Bridson, IndieWire, 8 May 2026

Researchers found that hobbies can support the endocrine, immune and central nervous systems, and that stronger biological function may help reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, dementia and some cancers. —Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 7 May 2026

Adenosine is a neuromodulator in the central nervous system that regulates sleep pressure — and caffeine works by blocking the receptors adenosine binds to, not by removing adenosine itself. —Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 5 May 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