1 nerve cord | Definition of nerve cord
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nerve cord

noun

Definition of nerve cord

1 : the pair of closely united ventral longitudinal nerves with their segmental ganglia that is characteristic of many elongate invertebrates (such as earthworms)
2 : the dorsal tubular cord of nervous tissue above the notochord of a chordate that comprises or develops into the central nervous system

Examples of nerve cord in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 Along this nerve cord are inhibitory neurons that act as gatekeepers, allowing pain signals through or blocking them based on context. — Jason Daley, Smithsonian, "Study Finds Insects Can Experience Chronic Pain," 17 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'nerve cord.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of nerve cord

1877, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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More Definitions for nerve cord

nerve cord

noun

Medical Definition of nerve cord

: the dorsal tubular cord of nervous tissue above the notochord of a chordate that in vertebrates includes or develops an anterior enlargement comprising the brain and a more posterior part comprising the spinal cord with the two together making up the central nervous system

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Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with nerve cord

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