central nervous system: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low in general conversation; high in medical, biological, and scientific contexts.Formal, technical, academic.
Quick answer
What does “central nervous system” mean?
The part of the nervous system consisting of the brain and spinal cord, responsible for integrating and coordinating all body activities.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The part of the nervous system consisting of the brain and spinal cord, responsible for integrating and coordinating all body activities.
In figurative use, can refer to a core control or decision-making center within an organization, network, or system.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling of related terms (e.g., 'centralise' vs. 'centralize') may differ, but 'central nervous system' is invariant.
Connotations
Technical/neutral in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common in scientific discourse in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “central nervous system” in a Sentence
The virus attacks [the central nervous system].Damage to [the central nervous system] can be permanent.The drug's effect on [the central nervous system] is profound.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “central nervous system” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The central-nervous-system effects were carefully monitored.
- It's a central nervous system disorder.
American English
- The central-nervous-system effects were carefully monitored.
- It's a central nervous system disorder.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in highly metaphorical language (e.g., 'The server room is the central nervous system of our operation').
Academic
Very common in life sciences, medicine, neuroscience, and psychology.
Everyday
Very rare outside of discussions of health or popular science.
Technical
The primary context of use. Precise anatomical/physiological term.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “central nervous system”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “central nervous system”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “central nervous system”
- Using 'central nerve system' (incorrect word order).
- Confusing 'central' with 'centralised'.
- Using in non-technical contexts where a simpler word like 'brain' or 'nerves' is meant.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The central nervous system (CNS) comprises the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system (PNS) consists of all the nerves that branch out from the CNS to the rest of the body.
Yes, but it's a conscious metaphor. You might describe a key control hub in a company or network as its 'central nervous system', implying it is essential for integration and command.
Yes, in technical, medical, and scientific writing. It's standard to spell it out on first use followed by the abbreviation in parentheses: 'central nervous system (CNS)'.
Examples include stroke, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, meningitis, and traumatic brain or spinal cord injuries.
The part of the nervous system consisting of the brain and spinal cord, responsible for integrating and coordinating all body activities.
Central nervous system is usually formal, technical, academic. in register.
Central nervous system: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsen.trəl ˈnɜː.vəs ˌsɪs.təm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsen.trəl ˈnɝː.vəs ˌsɪs.təm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think CENTRAL = centre, like the brain and spine are at the centre of your body's control network.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE BODY IS A MACHINE / NETWORK (The CNS is the 'central processing unit' or 'control centre').
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of the central nervous system?