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 These neurotransmitters play important roles in your ability to pay attention, think and stay motivated. Cara Lynn Shultz, Peoplemag, 31 Jan. 2024 In response to neurotransmitters such as adrenaline, adrenergic receptors help to heighten awareness and vitality. Sponsored Content, The Mercury News, 19 Jan. 2024 Its high antioxidant value helps to protect brain tissues and vessels against free radical damage, while coffee also increases the production of serotonin and acetylcholine (neurotransmitters responsible for certain brain functions like mood, memory, attention and arousal). Georgia Day, Vogue, 5 Dec. 2023 Think of it as a feedback system: Initially, after an SSRI spikes a person’s serotonin levels, their brain responds by pumping the brakes on producing the neurotransmitter. WIRED, 26 Oct. 2023 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

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 29 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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