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definitions

central nervous system

noun

the part of the nervous system comprising the brain and spinal cord.

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Nearby words

  1. central limit theorem,
  2. central locking,
  3. central lymph node,
  4. central moment,
  5. central necrosis,
  6. central nystagmus,
  7. central ossifying fibroma,
  8. central osteitis,
  9. central paralysis,
  10. central park

Origin of central nervous system

First recorded in 1890–95
Also called cerebrospinal nervous system.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
British Dictionary definitions for central nervous system

central nervous system

noun

the mass of nerve tissue that controls and coordinates the activities of an animal. In vertebrates it consists of the brain and spinal cordAbbreviation: CNS Compare autonomic nervous system
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
Medicine definitions for central nervous system

central nervous system

n.

The portion of the vertebrate nervous system consisting of the brain and spinal cord.cerebrospinal axis
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Science definitions for central nervous system

central nervous system

The part of the nervous system in vertebrate animals that consists of the brain and spinal cord. Compare peripheral nervous system.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Culture definitions for central nervous system

central nervous system

The brain and spinal cord. (See nervous system).

The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.