neurotransmitter

[ noor-oh-trans-mit-er, -tranz-, nyoor- ]

/ ˌnʊər oʊˈtræns mɪt ər, -ˈtrænz-, ˌnyʊər- /

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noun

any of several chemical substances, as epinephrine or acetylcholine, that transmit nerve impulses across a synapse to a postsynaptic element, as another nerve, muscle, or gland.

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Origin of neurotransmitter

First recorded in 1960–65; neuro- + transmitter

Words nearby neurotransmitter

neurotoxic, neurotoxicity, neurotoxicology, neurotoxin, neurotransmission, neurotransmitter, neurotrophic, neurotrophy, neurotropic, neurotropism, neurotypical

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use neurotransmitter in a sentence

Once we better understand the brain regions, pathways, and neurotransmitters involved in memory, anxiety, and fear—and how these can be altered—we can develop more precise strategies to treat diseases.
Eight ways scientists are unwrapping the mysteries of the human brain|Hannah Thomasy|August 25, 2021|MIT Technology Review
In fact, meditation has been shown to trigger neurotransmitters that help handle anxiety.
How to work out for your mental health|empire|August 15, 2021|Popular-Science
The placebos didn’t end up having any significant effect, which bolsters the case that this is a physiological effect—a result of, say, enhanced blood flow to the brain or elevated levels of neurotransmitters.
How to Choose the Right Dose of Exercise for Your Brain|Alex Hutchinson|May 28, 2021|Outside Online
The dexterity — the neurotransmitters that your brain puts out should just as easily be able to do the toes as they can the hands.
These Shoes Are Killing Me! (Ep. 296 Rebroadcast)|Stephen J. Dubner|May 20, 2021|Freakonomics

Finger-like projections from the ends of axons release neurotransmitters.
Search for ‘rewards’ is big driver in remodeling a teen’s brain|Silke Schmidt|April 22, 2021|Science News For Students
Protein stimulates a neurotransmitter in your brain called orexin.
Five Healthy—and Legal—Ways to Stay Awake Longer|Dave Asprey|December 4, 2013|DAILY BEAST
It influences how our brains respond to dopamine, a feel-good neurotransmitter unleashed by new and rewarding experiences.
Does the Slut Gene Exist?|Casey Schwartz|December 7, 2010|DAILY BEAST
Parkinson's wreaks havoc by affecting nerve cells in the brain that make the neurotransmitter called dopamine.
A Bicycle Built for Parkinson's Relief|Daily Beast Promotions|December 11, 2009|DAILY BEAST

British Dictionary definitions for neurotransmitter

neurotransmitter

/ (ˌnjʊərəʊtrænzˈmɪtə) /

noun

a chemical by which a nerve cell communicates with another nerve cell or with a muscle

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

Scientific definitions for neurotransmitter

neurotransmitter

[ nur′ō-trănz′mĭt-ər ]

A chemical substance that is produced and secreted by a neuron and then diffuses across a synapse to cause excitation or inhibition of another neuron. Acetylcholine, norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin are examples of neurotransmitters.

Cultural definitions for neurotransmitter

neurotransmitter

Any one of a number of chemicals that are used to transmit nerve signals across a synapse. They are sprayed from the end of the “upstream” nerve cell and absorbed by receptors in the “downstream” cell.

notes for neurotransmitter

Drugs like Prozac and alcohol affect the emission and reception of neurotransmitters.