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

Rhymes for efferent

See All Rhymes for efferent

Browse Nearby Words

efference
efferent
effervesce
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Efferent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/efferent. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025.

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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

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