plexus

noun

plex·​us ˈplek-səs 

plural plexuses ˈplek-sə-səz 

1

: a network of anastomosing or interlacing blood vessels or nerves

2

: an interwoven combination of parts or elements in a structure or system

Examples of plexus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The metamorphosis The internals of a foot tube attached to a sea cucumber include a mix of epidermal tissue, connective tissue, a neural plexus, muscle tissue, and an inner lumen. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 29 May 2026

To make the system more lifelike, the team linked the organoid to an artificial cardiac plexus, a network of nerves located near the base of the heart that helps regulate heartbeat activity. — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 23 May 2026

The connection, Drew and his colleagues determined, is the vertebral venous plexus, a network of veins that connects the abdomen to the spine in mice and humans alike. — Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2026

In one study, participants who breathed nasally, a route known to cool the brain via the vertebral venous plexus, showed zero incidence of contagious yawning. — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin plectere to braid — more at ply

First Known Use

1666, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing plexus

• brachial plexus
• solar plexus

Rhymes for plexus

• lexis
• nexus
• cathexis

Kids Definition

plexus

noun

plex·​us ˈplek-səs 

plural plexuses

: a network especially of blood vessels or nerves

Medical Definition

plexus

noun

plex·​us ˈplek-səs 

plural plexuses

: a network of anastomosing or interlacing blood vessels or nerves