Nervous System
/ˈnɜːr.vəs ˈsɪs.təm/noun
The network of nerve cells and tissues that coordinates sensation, movement, and bodily functions.
Did you know?The word system comes from Ancient Greek synistanai, literally meaning “to place together,” while nervous traces back to a word for sinew or tendon—revealing how early anatomy mapped invisible function onto physical fibers.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*sneu-
“To wind, twist, or form sinew-like fibers; the proposed root behind nerve-related terms.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
neûron
“Sinew, tendon, or cord; later the anatomical basis of the word neuron.”
Classical Latin
Latin
nervus
“Sinew, tendon, or nerve.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
sýstēma
“An organized whole; literally something put together.”
Middle English
English
nervous
“Relating to the nerves; later, easily agitated or apprehensive.”
19th Century
English
nervous system
“The anatomical system of nerves and related tissues coordinating the body.”