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
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Every minute or so during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, the brain releases a wave of norepinephrine, a hormone that is one of the brain’s primary neurotransmitters. Tom Hawking, Popular Science, 8 Jan. 2025 When we are rewarded for compliant behavior, our brain rewards us with a hit of dopamine, the neurotransmitter associated with pleasure. Dr. Sunita Sah, TIME, 4 Jan. 2025 Additionally, magnesium is also necessary for GABA synthesis, a neurotransmitter that reduces the activity of the central nervous system and induces a state of calm. Ana Morales, Vogue, 5 Dec. 2024 These include: Benzodiazepines, which work by increasing the level of gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA, a neurotransmitter that elicits a calming effect by reducing activity in the nervous system. Ashley Bradford, The Conversation, 10 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for neurotransmitter 

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 12 Feb. 2025.

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

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