nervous system
Americannoun
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the system of nerves and nerve centers in an animal or human, including the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and ganglia.
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a particular part of this system.
noun
"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012-
The system of neurons and tissues that regulates the actions and responses of vertebrates and many invertebrates. The nervous system of vertebrates is a complex information-processing system that consists mainly of the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral and autonomic nerves. It receives chemical information from hormones in the circulating blood and can also regulate secretions of the endocrine system by the action of neurohormones. The nervous systems of invertebrates vary from a simple network of nerves to a complex nerve network under the control of a primitive brain.
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See also autonomic nervous system central nervous system peripheral nervous system
Etymology
Origin of nervous system
First recorded in 1730–40
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
According to SMA UK, the drug delivers a healthy copy of the affected gene to the body, but timing is critical because irreversible damage may have already occurred in the nervous system.
From BBC
Exposure to this element can lead to serious heart and nervous system issues, including arrhythmias and paralysis.
From Science Daily
However, scientists still have a limited understanding of how CBD actually interacts with the nervous system.
From Science Daily
The scientist leads a laboratory developing electronic devices which are implanted into a person's nervous system -- not just the brain, but also the spinal cord that transmits signals to the rest of the body.
From Barron's
It's worth noting if you have underlying heart or respiratory conditions you should seek medical advice before trying to rebalance or stimulate your nervous system.
From BBC
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.