# polyvagal

> English word · Adjective

## Definitions
1. Of or relating to a theory that specifies two functionally distinct branches of the vagus, or tenth cranial nerve: a primitive branch eliciting immobilization behaviors (e.g. feigning death) and a more evolved branch linked to social communication and self-soothing behaviors.

## Etymology
From poly- + vagal.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/polyvagal