nervous system

noun

: the bodily system that in vertebrates is made up of the brain and spinal cord, nerves, ganglia, and parts of the receptor organs and that receives and interprets stimuli and transmits impulses to the effector organs see autonomic nervous system, central nervous system, peripheral nervous system

Examples of nervous system in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Oxidative stress and inflammation are thought to contribute to damage and dysfunction in blood vessel and nervous system cells, which may play a role in the development of high blood pressure. —Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 20 Apr. 2026

Crude oil also disrupts animals’ nervous systems, Grosell added, impairing their senses and ability to navigate, process input, and properly orient themselves in their environment. —Asuka Koda, CNN Money, 17 Apr. 2026

Neurochemistry is the study of all of the chemicals in the nervous system, but particularly for immunologists, the chemistry of myelin. —Marcy Thompson, Scientific American, 16 Apr. 2026

Our thin walls and my delicate nervous system didn’t stand a chance against small humans living their best lives. —Literary Hub, 15 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1703, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for nervous system

• cryptosystem
• ecosystem
• intersystem
• multisystem
• photosystem
• subsystem

Kids Definition

nervous system

noun

: the bodily system that receives stimuli, decides on their importance, and sends nerve impulses to the organs of action and that in vertebrates is made up of brain and spinal cord, nerves, ganglia, and parts of the receptor organs

Medical Definition

nervous system

noun

: the bodily system that in vertebrates is made up of the brain and spinal cord, nerves, ganglia, and parts of the receptor organs and that receives and interprets stimuli and transmits impulses to the effector organs see autonomic nervous system, central nervous system, peripheral nervous system