neuron

American  

[noor-on, nyoor-] / ˈnʊər ɒn, ˈnyʊər- /

especially British, neurone

noun

1. Cell Biology. a specialized, impulse-conducting cell that is the functional unit of the nervous system, consisting of the cell body and its processes, the axon and dendrites.

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neuron Scientific  

/ nr′ŏn′ /

1. A cell of the nervous system. Neurons typically consist of a cell body, which contains a nucleus and receives incoming nerve impulses, and an axon, which carries impulses away from the cell body.

2. Also called nerve cell

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Other Word Forms

• neuronal adjective

Etymology

Origin of neuron

First recorded in 1880–85, neuron is from the Greek word neûron sinew, cord, nerve

Example Sentences

During rest, specific neurons known as place cells activate in rapid sequences that mirror recent experiences.

From Science Daily

These cysts are most commonly found in neurons, but they also appear frequently in skeletal and cardiac muscle.

From Science Daily

Following events such as strokes, concussions, or neurodegenerative diseases, neurons and their axons are much more likely to deteriorate than to repair themselves.

From Science Daily

Grey matter consists of neuronal cell bodies and their dendrites - short protrusions that communicate with neurons nearby.

From BBC

When this happens, neurons are triggered to remove synapses.

From Science Daily