afferent

adjective

Definition of afferentnext
as in sensory

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of afferent Ray 11 carries approximately 11% of the total afferent fibers innervating the star, yet occupies roughly 25% of the primary somatosensory cortex devoted to the star as a whole. — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026 Multiple sclerosis can cause optic nerve damage, which leads to an abnormal response of the pupils known as afferent pupillary defect (APD). — Troy Bedinghaus, Od, Verywell Health, 17 July 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for afferent
  1. sensory
  2. receptive
Adjective
  • Possible applications include virtual social gatherings, online shopping, and healthcare research involving sensory perception or loss.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Studies in neuroscience have proven that the brain subconsciously processes millions of bits of sensory information every second, and at a much faster rate than the conscious mind.
    — Jesse Granger, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of sensory
Adjective
  • But early data suggests Muse may be finding a particularly receptive audience among older adults.
    — Andrew R. Chow, Time, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Almost no one is attuned to their surroundings or open to conversation, receptive to subtle social and environmental cues.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of receptive

Browse Nearby Words

affects
afferent
affiance
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Cite this Entry

“Afferent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/afferent. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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