neuron

[ noo r-on, nyoo r- ]

/ ˈnʊər ɒn, ˈnyʊər- /

noun

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.

Nearby words

neuromyasthenia, neuromyelitis, neuromyelitis optica, neuromyopathy, neuromyositis, neuron, neuronal, neurone, neuronevus, neuronopathy, neuronophage

Also especially British, neu·rone

[noo r-ohn, nyoo r-] /ˈnʊər oʊn, ˈnyʊər-/.

Compare synapse.

Origin of neuron

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

Also called nerve cell.

Related formsneu·ron·al

[noo r-uh-nl, nyoo r-, noo-rohn-l, nyoo-] /ˈnʊər ə nl, ˈnyʊər-, nʊˈroʊn l, nyʊ-/, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for neuronal

Playing and practicing any sport at an elite level leaves in its wake broken bones, shredded ligaments and neuronal death.
A Millennium After Inventing the Game, the Iroquois Are Lacrosse’s New Superpower|Evin Demirel|July 21, 2014|DAILY BEAST

Word Origin and History for neuronal

neuron

"a nerve cell with appendages," 1891, from German Neuron, from Greek neuron (see neuro-). Used earlier (1884) for "the spinal cord and brain."

Medicine definitions for neuronal (1 of 2)

neuronal

[ nur′ə-nəl, nu-rō′nəl ]

adj.

Relating to a neuron.

Medicine definitions for neuronal (2 of 2)

neuron

[ nur′ŏn′ ]

n.

Any of the impulse-conducting cells that constitute the brain, spinal column, and nerves, consisting of a nucleated cell body with one or more dendrites and a single axon.nerve cell neurocyte

Science definitions for neuronal

neuron

[ nur′ŏn′ ]

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. Also called nerve cell