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

But looking back on his career, Schwarzman advised young professionals against a work habit that completely wrecked his nervous system. —Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 2 Mar. 2026

Polio can attack the nervous system and can lead to irreversible paralysis and occasionally death due to respiratory failure. —Alexis Wilkinson, New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2026

Once the tears start flowing, your nervous system’s relaxation response can start to kick in. —Carolyn L. Todd, SELF, 2 Mar. 2026

Rarely, measles can hide in the body for a decade before re-emerging by attacking the brain and nervous system. —Erika Edwards, NBC news, 1 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