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

Rabies can also be transmitted through direct contact with brain or nervous system tissue from an infected animal. — Kelli Arseneau, USA Today, 1 July 2026

For example, a moisturizer is not going to treat depression or meaningfully improve cognition in a clinical sense, but there is real value in recognizing the connection between sensory experience and the nervous system. — Pooja Mistry, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

In these cases, the virus affects the brain or nervous system and can cause encephalitis or meningitis, which can result in an infection of the brain or surrounding tissue, according to the CDC. — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026

Fibre can also be a prebiotic, feeding the trillions of gastrointestinal bacteria that support our immune and nervous systems. — Hannah Goldfield, New Yorker, 29 June 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