efferent

adjective

ef·​fer·​ent ˈe-fə-rənt  ˈe-ˌfer-ənt  ˈē-fə-rənt  ˈē-ˌfer-ənt 

: 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

Kids Definition

efferent

adjective

ef·​fer·​ent ˈef-ə-rənt  ˈef-ˌer-ənt 

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  ˈē-ˌfer- 

: 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)