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

The bedding in this space serves two purposes: to provide comfort and to help regulate a teen’s nervous system through touch and temperature. —Nina Derwin, Architectural Digest, 29 July 2025

Cashews are rich in copper, a mineral necessary for nervous system function.15 Macadamia nuts are popular for their creamy, buttery texture. —Jamie Johnson, Verywell Health, 28 July 2025

The nervous system encodes new preferences when they're paired with self-awareness. —Ximena Araya-Fischel, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025

Not to mention, these powerful SCFAs can also spur gut cells to pump out serotonin and activate your parasympathetic (a.k.a. rest and digest) nervous system, which may calm down an overactive stress response. —Erica Sloan, SELF, 25 July 2025

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