central nervous system
noun
the part of the nervous system comprising the brain and spinal cord.
Also called
cerebrospinal nervous system.
Origin of central nervous system
First recorded in 1890–95
Words nearby central nervous system
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 cord
Abbreviation: CNS Compare autonomic nervous system
Medical 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
Scientific 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.