efferent

adjective

ef·​fer·​ent ˈe-fə-rənt How to pronounce efferent (audio) ˈe-ˌfer-ənt How to pronounce efferent (audio) ˈē-fə-rənt How to pronounce efferent (audio) ˈē-ˌfer-ənt How to pronounce efferent (audio)
: conducting outward from a part or organ
specifically : conveying nervous impulses to an effector
efferent neurons
compare afferent
efferent noun
efferently adverb

Word History

Etymology

French efférent, from Latin efferent-, efferens, present participle of efferre to carry outward, from ex- + ferre to carry — more at bear

First Known Use

1856, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of efferent was in 1856

Dictionary Entries Near efferent

efference

efferent

effervesce

Cite this Entry

“Efferent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/efferent. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Copy Citation

Share

Kids Definition

efferent

adjective
ef·​fer·​ent ˈef-ə-rənt How to pronounce efferent (audio) ˈef-ˌer-ənt How to pronounce efferent (audio)
ˈē-ˌfer-
: conducting outward from a part or organ
especially : conveying nerve impulses to an effector
efferent nerve fibers

Medical Definition

efferent

1 of 2 adjective
ef·​fer·​ent ˈef-ə-rənt; ˈef-ˌer-ənt How to pronounce efferent (audio) ˈē-ˌfer- How to pronounce efferent (audio)
: conducting outward from a part or organ
specifically : conveying nerve impulses to an effector
efferent neurons
compare afferent entry 1
efferently adverb

efferent

2 of 2 noun
: an efferent part (as a blood vessel or nerve fiber)

More from Merriam-Webster on efferent

Nglish: Translation of efferent for Spanish Speakers

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See All

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Plural and Possessive Names: A Guide

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See All

Popular in Wordplay

See All

8 Words with Fascinating Histories

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments

Birds Say the Darndest Things

10 Words from Taylor Swift Songs (Merriam's Version)

10 Scrabble Words Without Any Vowels
See All

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Word Game Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
little chihuahua dressing like a turkey for thanksgiving
Giving Thanks Quiz Decide which words express gratitude and which gi...