neurotransmitter
noun
neu·ro·trans·mit·ter
| \ ˌnu̇r-ō-tran(t)s-ˈmi-tər
, -tranz-, ˌnyu̇r-\
, -tranz-, ˌnyu̇r-\
Definition of neurotransmitter
: 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 strong possibility is that acidic conditions interfere with brain cell receptors that respond to γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter. — Elizabeth Preston, Science | AAAS, "A growing sensory smog threatens the ability of fish to communicate, navigate, and survive," 20 June 2019 The release of a specific neurotransmitter in the spleen, for instance, quiets immune cells involved in inflammation throughout the body. — Scientific American, "Electroceuticals," 14 Sep. 2018 The treatment creates an electric current that will result in the release neurotransmitters, essentially the body’s chemical messengers, such as serotonin and dopamine. — Mike Glenn, Houston Chronicle, "Katy psychiatrist offers new treatment options for depression," 24 June 2019 Some of these monoamines are neurotransmitters including serotonin, epinephrine, and dopamine. — Carolyn Twersky, Seventeen, "Can You Really Have a Serial Killer Gene like Betty on "Riverdale"?," 9 May 2019 In the brain, this neurotransmitter helps us form new memories and later retrieve them. — Katherine Ellen Foley, Quartz, "A new study that ties common medications to dementia highlights the need for early detection," 27 June 2019 It had been observed that vesicles containing neurotransmitters routinely hover in clusters near the presynaptic membrane until they are needed. — Quanta Magazine, "‘Lava-Lamp’ Proteins May Help Cells Cheat Death," 26 Nov. 2018 Boehm explained that in a sea lion, or any mammal, including humans, the toxin mimics a neurotransmitter, latching onto neurons and causing them to fire at a rapid pace that can cause seizures and abnormal behavior. — Alexa Díaz, latimes.com, "A sea lion bit a girl at Pismo Beach in a rare attack. Poisonous algae may be to blame," 21 June 2019 For example, in the heart, the vagus nerve releases a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine. — Anne R. Crecelius, The Conversation, "Why do people faint?," 20 June 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'neurotransmitter.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for neurotransmitter
neurotransmitter
noun
English Language Learners Definition of neurotransmitter
medical
: a substance in the body that carries a signal from one nerve cell to another
See the full definition for neurotransmitter in the English Language Learners Dictionary
neurotransmitter
noun
neu·ro·trans·mit·ter
| \ ˌn(y)u̇r-ō-tran(t)s-ˈmit-ər, -tranz-
\
\
Medical Definition of neurotransmitter
: a substance (as norepinephrine or acetylcholine) that transmits nerve impulses across a synapse — see false neurotransmitter