central nervous system

American  

noun

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

---

central nervous system British  

noun

1.  CNS.  the mass of nerve tissue that controls and coordinates the activities of an animal. In vertebrates it consists of the brain and spinal cord Compare autonomic nervous system

---

central nervous system Scientific  

1. The part of the nervous system in vertebrate animals that consists of the brain and spinal cord.

2. Compare peripheral nervous system

---

central nervous system Cultural  

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

---

Etymology

Origin of central nervous system

First recorded in 1890–95

Compare meaning

How does central-nervous-system compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• central nervous system vs. peripheral nervous system

Example Sentences

Geriatricians warn, for example, against taking too many drugs that act on the central nervous system—including combinations involving the widely used gabapentin.

From The Wall Street Journal

MS is defined by ongoing inflammation and demyelination within the central nervous system.

From Science Daily

Melinda Hughes would like to get to know your central nervous system — and you too.

From Los Angeles Times

Gabapentin is the top prescribed central nervous system drug—and among those, it’s also one of the most often reported to the FDA for adverse events.

From The Wall Street Journal

They warn, for instance, that seniors should minimize the number of drugs they take simultaneously that affect the central nervous system, including gabapentin.

From The Wall Street Journal