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GABA

American  
[gab-uh] / ˈgæb ə /

noun

Biochemistry.
  1. a neurotransmitter of the central nervous system that inhibits excitatory responses.


GABA British  
/ ˈɡæbə /

acronym

  1. gamma-aminobutyric acid: a biologically active substance found in plants and in brain and other animal tissues; it is a neurotransmitter that inhibits activation of neurones

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

GABA Scientific  
  1. Abbreviation of gamma-aminobutyric acid


Etymology

Origin of GABA

g(amma-)a(mino)b(utyric) a(cid)

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Normal human consciousness is tied to inhibitory neurotransmitters in the central nervous system called gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA.

From Los Angeles Times

First, alcohol increases the action of a chemical messenger in the brain called GABA.

From Salon

They discovered that two types of neurons in the claustrum, which send output signals to different parts of the brain, respond in opposing ways to acetylcholine and GABA.

From Science Daily

High doses altered the shape of neuronal support cells called astrocytes and caused changes in gene expression that suggest disruptions to signaling by the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA.

From Science Magazine

In Japan, you can already buy tomatoes rich in a chemical called GABA, which has a calming effect, and modified sea bream where more of the flesh is suitable for sushi.

From BBC