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
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Advertisement Calm the scary feeling When fright takes hold, breathing techniques like 4-7-8 breathing or box breathing can soothe your nervous system. — Juli Fraga, Time, 29 Oct. 2026 People want a space that resets the nervous system without a plane ticket or an app subscription, and planting for the five senses turns an ordinary yard into a wellness retreat. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 29 Oct. 2026 This can lead to multiple serious issues with cognition, executive function, the cardiovascular and nervous systems and more. — CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026 The very things that were supposed to be making life easier were overwhelming the human nervous system, patients and doctors alike believed. — Kirsten Balin, STAT, 26 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for nervous system

Word History

First Known Use

1703, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nervous system was in 1703

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Cite this Entry

“Nervous system.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nervous%20system. Accessed 31 Oct. 2026.

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

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