central nervous system

noun

: the part of the nervous system which in vertebrates consists of the brain and spinal cord, to which sensory impulses are transmitted and from which motor impulses pass out, and which coordinates the activity of the entire nervous system compare peripheral nervous system

Examples of central nervous system in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web But the central nervous system, despite being an especially sensitive system, does not contain any lymphatic structures. William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 The former works to depress the central nervous system, temporarily putting your brain in chill mode while the liver metabolizes it; the latter conversely activates the endocannabinoid receptors in your brain. Ali Finney, SELF, 26 Feb. 2024 More than half of the patients impacted suffered from central nervous system (CNS) depression and seizures after ingestion, with some requiring hospitalization and intubation, the state advisory said. Kate Gibson, CBS News, 30 Jan. 2024 Researchers are also developing treatments to control rabies when the infection reaches the central nervous system. Discover Magazine, 9 Jan. 2024 Perry was also taking buprenorphine, an opioid used to treat addiction, whose depressive effects on the central nervous system may have clashed with the ketamine in his system. Jason McGahan, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Dec. 2023 Vertigo can be caused by various underlying conditions, primarily within the inner ear, but problems with the central nervous system can also contribute to the feeling. Benjamin Plackett, Discover Magazine, 7 Mar. 2024 Lead poisoning can also affect neurological processes and the central nervous system, which may result in violent behavior later in life. Unicef Usa, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024 These will be sent to Orchard Therapeutics’ manufacturing facilities in Italy, where they will be engineered to express a functional copy of the gene that makes an essential enzyme for clearing toxins out of the central nervous system. Megan Molteni, STAT, 5 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'central nervous system.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of central nervous system was in 1826

Dictionary Entries Near central nervous system

Cite this Entry

“Central nervous system.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/central%20nervous%20system. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

central nervous system

noun
: the part of the nervous system that in vertebrates consists of the brain and spinal cord

Medical Definition

central nervous system

noun
: the part of the nervous system which in vertebrates consists of the brain and spinal cord, to which sensory impulses are transmitted and from which motor impulses pass out, and which supervises and coordinates the activity of the entire nervous system compare autonomic nervous system, peripheral nervous system

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