parasympathetic
|par/a/sym/pa/thet/ic|
/ˌpærəˌsɪm.pəˈθɛtɪk/
rest and digest
Etymology
'parasympathetic' originates from the Greek prefix 'para-' meaning 'beside' and 'sympathetic' from 'sympathētikos' meaning 'having sympathy'.
'parasympathetic' evolved from the Greek 'sympathētikos' and the prefix 'para-' to form the modern English term.
Initially, it referred to a system working alongside the sympathetic system, and this meaning has remained consistent.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
relating to the part of the autonomic nervous system that counterbalances the action of the sympathetic nerves, primarily responsible for stimulating 'rest and digest' activities.
The parasympathetic nervous system helps to slow the heart rate.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35