neuropeptide

American

[noor-oh-pep-tahyd, nyoor-] / ˌnʊər oʊˈpɛp taɪd, ˌnjʊər- /

noun

any of various short-chain peptides, as endorphins, that function as neuromodulators in the nervous system and as hormones in the endocrine system.

neuropeptide British

/ ˌnjʊərəʊˈpɛptaɪd /

noun

a peptide produced by neural tissue, esp one with hormonal activity

"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

Etymology

Origin of neuropeptide

First recorded in 1970–75; neuro- + peptide

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.

See Examples For:

neuropeptide

And could the effect of these be boosted by doses of the chemical messenger oxytocin, a neuropeptide that helps affectionate interactions make us feel better physically and emotionally?

From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 4, 2025

This circuit consists of specialized neurons that send and receive a neuropeptide -- a small protein that sends messages throughout the brain -- called PACAP.

From Science Daily ● Jan. 4, 2024

The researchers hypothesize that somewhere back in our distant evolutionary past, a genetic switch in our ancestors’ brain must have sent neuropeptide Y production into overdrive.

From Scientific American ● Sep. 11, 2023

At the end of every workout, in fact, you typically get a brief reprieve from anxiety, due to neuropeptide Y, which increases with exercise.

From New York Times ● Mar. 30, 2022

A neuropeptide is a neurotransmitter molecule made up of chains of amino acids connected by peptide bonds.

From Textbooks ● Jun. 19, 2013

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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023