plexus

noun

plex·​us ˈplek-səs How to pronounce plexus (audio)
plural plexuses ˈplek-sə-səz How to pronounce plexus (audio)
Synonyms of plexusnext
1
: a network of anastomosing or interlacing blood vessels or nerves
2
: an interwoven combination of parts or elements in a structure or system

Examples of plexus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The metamorphosis The internals of a foot tube attached to a sea cucumber include a mix of epidermal tissue, connective tissue, a neural plexus, muscle tissue, and an inner lumen. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 29 May 2026 To make the system more lifelike, the team linked the organoid to an artificial cardiac plexus, a network of nerves located near the base of the heart that helps regulate heartbeat activity. — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 23 May 2026 The connection, Drew and his colleagues determined, is the vertebral venous plexus, a network of veins that connects the abdomen to the spine in mice and humans alike. — Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2026 In one study, participants who breathed nasally, a route known to cool the brain via the vertebral venous plexus, showed zero incidence of contagious yawning. — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for plexus

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin plectere to braid — more at ply

First Known Use

1666, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of plexus was in 1666

Phrases Containing plexus

Rhymes for plexus

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Browse Nearby Words

plexure
plexus
plf
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Cite this Entry

“Plexus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plexus. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

plexus

noun
plex·​us ˈplek-səs How to pronounce plexus (audio)
plural plexuses
: a network especially of blood vessels or nerves

Medical Definition

plexus

noun
plex·​us ˈplek-səs How to pronounce plexus (audio)
plural plexuses
: a network of anastomosing or interlacing blood vessels or nerves

More from Merriam-Webster on plexus

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