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

Aidan died at the age of seven from adrenoleukodystrophy, or ALD, a genetic disorder that attacks the nervous system. —Nicole Kruegel, Sun Sentinel, 31 Mar. 2026

An Evolutionary Explanation The appeal goes beyond nervous system biology. —Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 30 Mar. 2026

What Your Bedtime Snack Needs to Do Per Carolinas Thyroid Institute and Northwestern Medicine, the ideal bedtime snack stabilizes blood sugar overnight, delivers tryptophan to support melatonin production and provides magnesium to help regulate cortisol and calm the nervous system. —Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 30 Mar. 2026

But experts in psychology and nervous system function say the draw goes deeper than personal preference. —Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 30 Mar. 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