gamma-aminobutyric acid

[ gam-uh uh-mee-noh-byoo-tir-ik, -am-uh-noh- ]

noun

1. GABA.

gamma-aminobutyric acid

/ ˌɡæməəˌmiːnəuːbjʊˈtɪrɪk /

noun

1. the full name for GABA

gamma-aminobutyric acid

/ găm′ə-ə-mē′nō-byo̅o̅-tîr′ĭk,-ăm′ə- /

1. An amino acid occurring in the brain as a neurotransmitter that acts to inhibit the transmission of nerve impulses. Certain antianxiety drugs, called benzodiazepines, mimic the actions of gamma-aminobutyric acid. Chemical formula: C 4 H 9 NO 2 .

Word History and Origins

Origin of gamma-aminobutyric acid¹

First recorded in 1960–65; amino- + butyric acid