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

Social listening should be one sensor in the organization, not the organization’s entire nervous system. — Sindhu Bhaskar, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2026

To answer that question, the researchers shifted their attention from signal senders to receivers—because all signals are ultimately processed by nervous systems that are made up of neurons. — Anirban Mukhopadhyay, Scientific American, 7 Sep. 2026

The tests included dental examinations, the heart, lungs, and nervous system, as well as blood tests. — ABC News, 5 Sep. 2026

Many supplements and energy drinks market vitamin B6 as a way to boost energy and support the nervous system. — Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 4 Sep. 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