neuromodulator

[ noor-oh-moj-uh-ley-ter ]

noun

, Biochemistry.

1. any of various substances, as certain hormones and amino acids, that influence the function of neurons but do not act as neurotransmitters.

Word History and Origins

Origin of neuromodulator¹

neuro- + modulator

Example Sentences

Ultrasound can be a neuromodulator—to increase or decrease the likelihood that neurons will fire.

From Nautilus

Use of neuromodulators should stop six months before conception.

From Washington Post

By testing participants as soon as they woke up, he was able to ensure that their brains’ neuromodulator levels were still close to where they had been before waking up.

From Nautilus

This is much faster than the time required for the brain to become fully awake, and for its levels of neuromodulators like serotonin and noradrenaline to shift back to waking levels.

From Nautilus

This is just one of the differences in the chemical neuromodulators being released in the brain during sleep.

From Nautilus