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

Rabies is a viral disease that attacks the central nervous system and is almost always fatal once symptoms begin, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 2 July 2026

In rare instances, the disease can affect the central nervous system, causing encephalitis or meningitis that may require hospitalization and can result in death. — Reeti Malhotra july 2, Sacbee.com, 2 July 2026

Fewer than 1% of people infected develop severe illness that affects the central nervous system, including inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) and the membranes around the brain and spinal cord (meningitis), the CDC says. — Youri Benadjaoud, ABC News, 1 July 2026

In severe cases, the virus affects the central nervous system, causing encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the membrane around the brain and spinal cords). — Cara Lynn Shultz, PEOPLE, 29 June 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