motor neuron

American  

noun

Cell Biology, Physiology.

1. a nerve cell that conducts impulses to a muscle, gland, or other effector.

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Etymology

Origin of motor neuron

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

ALS, a progressive and terminal motor neuron disease, robs a person of the ability to move and, ultimately, to breathe, according to the Mayo Clinic.

From Los Angeles Times • May 20, 2026

"We are also looking at ALS to see if something like this might help these patients. It's really exciting that we are able to affect both muscle function and motor neuron growth."

From Science Daily • Oct. 11, 2023

They worked with a 67-year-old Pat Bennett, who has motor neuron disease, also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis — a condition that causes a progressive loss of muscle control, resulting in difficulties moving and speaking.

From Scientific American • Aug. 24, 2023

I am a researcher who studies the development of FTD and related disorders, including the motor neuron disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS.

From Salon • Feb. 26, 2023

The distinguished historian Tony Judt, who died in mid-2010 of motor neuron disease, used it to compose essays after his degenerative disease robbed him of the ability to move.

From "Words Like Loaded Pistols" by Sam Leith