neurochemical

[noor-oh-kem-i-kuhl, nyoor-]

adjective

1. of or relating to neurochemistry.

2. (of a drug or other substance) affecting the nervous system.

noun

1. a drug or other substance that affects the nervous system.

Word History and Origins

Origin of neurochemical¹

First recorded in 1945–50; neuro- + chemical

Example Sentences

He began to explore the role of pharmacology in treating depression, and in 1965 published a seminal paper positing that depression arose due to low levels of certain neurochemicals, highlighting the role of one, norepinephrine.

From Salon

“Neurobiologically, if you drink, during the period of actually being intoxicated, there is some relief because there are changes in neurochemicals that relate to depression and anxiety,” Silveri told Salon in a phone interview.

From Salon

When it comes to juicing neurochemical hits in the brain, the target of hatred doesn’t matter.

From Salon

The researchers were also interested in identifying the neurochemicals that interact with emotion regulation systems.

From Science Daily

In a new study, a group of researchers, led by Dr. Joshua Goldberg from the Hebrew University, describe a new kind of neurochemical wave in the brain.

From Science Daily