neurotransmitter

noun

neu·​ro·​trans·​mit·​ter ˌnu̇r-ō-tran(t)s-ˈmi-tər How to pronounce neurotransmitter (audio)
-tranz-,
ˌnyu̇r-
: a substance (such as norepinephrine or acetylcholine) that transmits nerve impulses across a synapse

Examples of neurotransmitter in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web One possible explanation is that magnesium is a stimulator of GABA, a naturally occurring amino acid that works as a neurotransmitter. Britannay Scanniello, Verywell Health, 1 Mar. 2024 Among our brain’s communication signals are neurotransmitters. Delaney Nothaft, USA TODAY, 23 Feb. 2024 During REM sleep, levels of norepinephrine—a neurotransmitter that drives fear responses such as sweating, rapid heart rate and pupil dilation—get tamped down. Ingrid Wickelgren, Scientific American, 20 Feb. 2024 This causes a release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with reward and pleasure. Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 18 Jan. 2024 The story starts with the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which helps govern memory. Gabe Allen, Discover Magazine, 28 Nov. 2023 The crux of his argument is that, yes, our brains work through action potentials and neurotransmitters and other molecular phenomena. Diana Gitig, Ars Technica, 12 Nov. 2023 Plus, Kin’s addition of ingredients like caffeine and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that inhibits nerve cell’s ability to receive stress signals, intend to give you a boost of energy while reducing stress—the sweet spot for any kind of socializing. Sam Stone, Bon Appétit, 1 Feb. 2024 The experts also mapped how the individual clusters interact with one another and are in contact with the help of neurotransmitters and neuropeptides. Karin Schlott, Scientific American, 18 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'neurotransmitter.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1961, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of neurotransmitter was in 1961

Dictionary Entries Near neurotransmitter

Cite this Entry

“Neurotransmitter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/neurotransmitter. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

neurotransmitter

noun
neu·​ro·​trans·​mit·​ter ˌn(y)u̇r-ō-tran(t)s-ˈmit-ər How to pronounce neurotransmitter (audio)
-tranz-
: a substance (as acetylcholine) that carries a nerve impulse from one neuron to another across a synapse

Medical Definition

neurotransmitter

noun
neu·​ro·​trans·​mit·​ter ˌn(y)u̇r-ō-tran(t)s-ˈmit-ər, -tranz- How to pronounce neurotransmitter (audio)
: a substance (as norepinephrine or acetylcholine) that transmits nerve impulses across a synapse see false neurotransmitter

More from Merriam-Webster on neurotransmitter

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