interneuron

noun

in·​ter·​neu·​ron ˌin-tər-ˈnu̇r-ˌän How to pronounce interneuron (audio) -ˈnyu̇r- How to pronounce interneuron (audio)
: a neuron that conveys impulses from one neuron to another
interneuronal
ˌin-tər-ˈnu̇r-ə-nᵊl How to pronounce interneuron (audio)
-ˈnyu̇r-;
-nu̇-ˈrō-, 
-nyu̇-ˈrō- How to pronounce interneuron (audio)
adjective

Examples of interneuron in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
These cholinergic interneurons are already known to play a key role in behavioral flexibility and adaptation. — New Atlas, 8 Oct. 2025 Some classes were linked to genes active in early forming excitatory neurons, others in later-developing interneurons or glial cells. — William A. Haseltine, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025 These interneurons are believed to provide steering commands to downstream neuromuscular circuits that coordinate muscle control of the wings and maintain stable flight. — Evan Ackerman, IEEE Spectrum, 25 Jan. 2017 For example, in the human cortex, about 20 percent of the neurons — the ones called interneurons, which have inhibitory effects — migrate there from a center deeper down in the brain called the medial ganglionic eminence (MGE). — Quanta Magazine, 9 Aug. 2017 Another potential explanation for the effectiveness of 40-hertz stimulation is the discovery that interneurons —a subset of neurons— produce certain peptides in far greater quantities following treatment. — William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1938, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of interneuron was in 1938

Rhymes for interneuron

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Browse Nearby Words

interneural
interneuron
internist
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Cite this Entry

“Interneuron.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interneuron. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

interneuron

noun
in·​ter·​neu·​ron ˌint-ər-ˈn(y)ü-ˌrän How to pronounce interneuron (audio) -ˈn(y)u̇(ə)r-ˌän How to pronounce interneuron (audio)
: a neuron that carries a nerve impulse from one neuron to another

Medical Definition

interneuron

noun
in·​ter·​neu·​ron ˌint-ər-ˈn(y)ü-ˌrän How to pronounce interneuron (audio) -ˈn(y)u̇(ə)r-ˌän How to pronounce interneuron (audio)
variants or British interneurone
-ˈnyu̇r-ōn How to pronounce interneuron (audio)
: a neuron that conveys impulses from one neuron to another

called also association neuron, associative neuron, internuncial, internuncial neuron

compare motor neuron, sensory neuron
interneuronal
-ˈn(y)u̇r-ən-ᵊl How to pronounce interneuron (audio) -nyu̇-ˈrōn- How to pronounce interneuron (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on interneuron

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about interneuron

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