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 last couple of years, artificial intelligence (AI) has transformed from a lab concept into the central nervous system of modern business, powering everything from developer tools to customer support. —Anand Oswal, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025

Researchers at the University of Arizona completed a detailed analysis of the brain and central nervous system of an extinct animal called Mollisonia symmetrica, according to the study. —Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 23 July 2025

In infants and babies still in the womb, perchlorates may interfere with normal growth and central nervous system development. —Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 4 July 2025

In small, medically prescribed doses, nitrous oxide limits the amount of oxygen that reaches your brain, effectively slowing down your central nervous system and limiting pain signals, hence its use for pain control. —Bradley Hohulin, IndyStar, 2 July 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