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

It is also associated with inflammation and damage in the nervous system, according to a 2024 study. —The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 May 2025

Exposure to heavy metals has been associated with negative health effects such as nervous system problems, immune system suppression, kidney damage, autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in young children. —Jonathan Stempel, USA Today, 25 May 2025

To do this, organizations should transition from passive repositories to an active, joined knowledge network functioning like a nervous system for the company. —Philip Brittan, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025

Neurological Symptoms To Report Neurological symptoms signal that there may be an issue with your brain, spinal cord, or nervous system. —Sherri Gordon, Health, 23 May 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