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

Heavily abusing nitrous oxide can degrade one's central nervous system, leading to muscle weakness or spasms. —Bradley Hohulin, IndyStar, 2 July 2025

His hope is to address both scientific research and eventual treatments for central nervous system diseases, which also include autism and bipolar disorder. —Danielle Chemtob, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025

Due to the limited regenerative capacity of the central nervous system, nerve repair following SCI remains extremely challenging. —Bronwyn Thompson, New Atlas, 26 May 2025

The condition occurs when the measles virus quietly sneaks into the central nervous system. —Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 5 May 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