neurotransmitter

[ noor-oh-trans-mit-er, -tranz-, nyoor- ]

noun

1. any of several chemical substances, as epinephrine or acetylcholine, that transmit nerve impulses across a synapse to a postsynaptic element, as another nerve, muscle, or gland.

neurotransmitter

/ ˌnjʊərəʊtrænzˈmɪtə /

noun

1. a chemical by which a nerve cell communicates with another nerve cell or with a muscle

neurotransmitter

/ nr′ō-trănz′mĭt-ər /

1. A chemical substance that is produced and secreted by a neuron and then diffuses across a synapse to cause excitation or inhibition of another neuron. Acetylcholine, norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin are examples of neurotransmitters.

neurotransmitter

1. Any one of a number of chemicals that are used to transmit nerve signals across a synapse . They are sprayed from the end of the “upstream” nerve cell and absorbed by receptors in the “downstream” cell.

Notes

Drugs like Prozac and alcohol affect the emission and reception of neurotransmitters.

Word History and Origins

Origin of neurotransmitter¹

First recorded in 1960–65; neuro- + transmitter

Example Sentences

Once we better understand the brain regions, pathways, and neurotransmitters involved in memory, anxiety, and fear—and how these can be altered—we can develop more precise strategies to treat diseases.

From MIT Technology Review

In fact, meditation has been shown to trigger neurotransmitters that help handle anxiety.

From Popular-Science

The placebos didn’t end up having any significant effect, which bolsters the case that this is a physiological effect—a result of, say, enhanced blood flow to the brain or elevated levels of neurotransmitters.

From Outside Online

The dexterity — the neurotransmitters that your brain puts out should just as easily be able to do the toes as they can the hands.

From Freakonomics

Finger-like projections from the ends of axons release neurotransmitters.

From Science News For Students

Protein stimulates a neurotransmitter in your brain called orexin.

From The Daily Beast

It influences how our brains respond to dopamine, a feel-good neurotransmitter unleashed by new and rewarding experiences.

From The Daily Beast

Parkinson's wreaks havoc by affecting nerve cells in the brain that make the neurotransmitter called dopamine.

From The Daily Beast