Definition of PARASYMPATHETIC

parasympathetic

Plural: parasympathetics

Noun

  • originates in the brain stem and lower part of the spinal cord; opposes physiological effects of the sympathetic nervous system: stimulates digestive secretions; slows the heart; constricts the pupils; dilates blood vessels
  • A parasympathetic nerve.
  • Ellipsis of parasympathetic nervous system.

Adjective

  • of or relating to the parasympathetic nervous system

Adj

  • Of or relating to the part of the autonomic nervous system that inhibits or opposes the effects of the sympathetic nervous system. It consists of nerves arising from the brain and the lower end of the spinal cord and supplying the internal organs, blood vessels, and glands.

Origin / Etymology

From para- (“beside, adjacent to”) + sympathetic, because some of these nerves run alongside sympathetic nerves.

Synonyms

parasympathetic nervous system

Antonyms

sympathetic

Scrabble Score: 0

parasympathetic: not valid in Scrabble (US) TWL Dictionary
parasympathetic: not valid in Scrabble (MW) Merriam-Webster Dictionary
parasympathetic: not valid in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 0

parasympathetic: not valid in Words With Friends