glutamate

noun
glu·​ta·​mate | \ ˈglü-tə-ˌmāt How to pronounce glutamate (audio) \

Definition of glutamate

: a salt or ester of glutamic acid specifically : a salt or ester of levorotatory glutamic acid that functions as an excitatory neurotransmitter — compare monosodium glutamate

Examples of glutamate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Required fields are indicated by an asterisk (*) That set expressed the gene for an excitatory signaling molecule, glutamate. Kelly Servick, Science | AAAS, "Sweet, fatty foods could remodel the brain to drive overeating," 27 June 2019 Then the biofilms would stop expanding until the glutamate was replenished. Quanta Magazine, "Bacteria Use Brainlike Bursts of Electricity to Communicate," 5 Sep. 2017 Alcohol also affects neurotransmitters such as glutamate, which governs brain function. Natasha Lavender, SELF, "What to Do if Your Friend Is Passed Out Drunk," 26 Feb. 2019 Most of the RNAs that were under-edited in autistic brains relative to control brains come from genes that are involved in the transmission of glutamate, a vital neurotransmitter, across synapses. Diana Gitig, Ars Technica, "Autism involves a large-scale reduction in RNA editing," 21 Dec. 2018 An imbalance in neurotransmitters such as dopamine and glutamate might also make a person more susceptible to this mental health condition. Nina Bahadur, SELF, "9 Facts to Know About Schizophrenia, Which Is Way Too Misunderstood," 15 Sep. 2018 Scientists believe that the savory taste sensation results when some of our taste receptors respond to foods that contain the amino acid glutamate. Chris Ross, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Blender gazpacho has umami flavors," 9 July 2018 Hair of the Dog can work because alcohol suppresses a brain chemical called glutamate. Sarah Brookbank, Cincinnati.com, "Fourth of July: Hangover cures for your patriotic beverage binge," 4 July 2018 Our bodies ultimately metabolize both sources of glutamate in the same way. Yvette D'entremont, SELF, "We All Really Need to Stop Freaking Out About MSG," 20 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'glutamate.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of glutamate

1876, in the meaning defined above

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More Definitions for glutamate

glutamate

noun
glu·​ta·​mate | \ ˈglüt-ə-ˌmāt How to pronounce glutamate (audio) \

Medical Definition of glutamate

: a salt or ester of glutamic acid specifically : a salt or ester of levorotatory glutamic acid that functions as an excitatory neurotransmitter — see monosodium glutamate