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

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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.
Key Takeaways Taking more than 40 milligrams of zinc daily for long periods can cause copper deficiency and damage the nervous system, causing irreversible issues like numbness, muscle weakness, and vision problems. — Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 11 Aug. 2026 Choose the private repair that helps your nervous system finally exhale and reset your inner pace today. — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 10 Aug. 2026 In an academic article published in June, a team of researchers from New York and Boston highlighted the case of a 6-month old girl in New York diagnosed with Batten disease, a rare, fatal genetic condition that impacts the nervous system. — Brad Quick, CNBC, 10 Aug. 2026 Climb into the pod for a touchless 45-minute service combining sound and low-frequency vibrations that’s supposed to calm the nervous system, aid sleep and recovery, and ease stress. — Jennifer Kester, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 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

Rhymes for nervous system

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Browse Nearby Words

nervousness
nervous system
nervous wreck
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Cite this Entry

“Nervous system.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nervous%20system. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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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

More from Merriam-Webster on nervous system

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about nervous system

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