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

Studies show that cognitive performance, mood, and central nervous system functioning (for example, coordination) all begin to diminish at 15,000 feet. —Brad Stulberg, Outside, 26 Mar. 2026

The cells become overactive and attack myelin, a fatty substance that protects and insulates nerve fibers in the central nervous system. —Kaitlin Sullivan, NBC news, 15 Mar. 2026

How Alcohol Affects Drivers Alcohol is a depressant that affects the central nervous system. —Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Mar. 2026

The selenium in mushrooms also helps your body make antioxidants that prevent cell damage, Zumpano said, and the vitamin B6 helps your body make red blood cells and supports your central nervous system. —Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 8 Mar. 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