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neuroglia

American  
[noo-rog-lee-uh, nyoo-] / nʊˈrɒg li ə, nyʊ- /

noun

Anatomy, Cell Biology.
  1. a class of cells in the brain and spinal cord that form a supporting structure for the neurons and provide them with insulation.


neuroglia British  
/ njʊˈrɒɡlɪə /

noun

  1. another name for glia

"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

Other Word Forms

  • neuroglial adjective
  • neurogliar adjective

Etymology

Origin of neuroglia

1870–75; neuro- + Late Greek glía glue

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.

In 1856, when the German anatomist Rudolf Virchow examined these “globules” in more detail, he figured they must be some sort of neural adhesive, which he named neuroglia – “nerve glue” in Greek.

From Scientific American • Jun. 24, 2013

Even worse, as other biologists investigated neuroglia over the next few decades, they started jumping to a variety of conclusions – not all of them accurate.

From Scientific American • Jun. 24, 2013

The second class of neural cells comprises the neuroglia or glial cells, which have been characterized as having a simple support role.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

Recent research is shedding light on the more complex role of neuroglia in the function of the brain and nervous system.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

The solid teratomata, with all varieties of connective tissue, as fibrous tissue, fat tissue, cartilage, bone, neuroglia, in addition to nerves, muscle, and vessels.

From A System of Practical Medicine by American Authors, Vol. I Volume 1: Pathology and General Diseases by Various