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

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

Bringing the live sport to audiences is no easy feat, but Variety got a peek inside the central nervous system of the sport with a visit to F1’s Media and Technology Centre in Biggin Hill, an hour outside of London. —Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 5 Mar. 2026

Mumps also can affect the central nervous system. —Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 5 Mar. 2026

Measles can damage both the immune system and the central nervous system, increasing the risk of severe illness and even death years after infection. —Doris Alvarez Cea, Florida Times-Union, 4 Feb. 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