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neurotransmitter
noun
neu·ro·trans·mit·ter
ˌnu̇r-ō-tran(t)s-ˈmi-tər
-tranz-,
ˌnyu̇r-
: a substance (such as norepinephrine or acetylcholine) that transmits nerve impulses across a synapse
Examples of neurotransmitter in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
What does adrenaline do to the body? Most commonly activated in the hypothalamus area of the brain, adrenaline gets released through neurotransmitters that send a signal down to the adrenal glands, which sit atop each kidney.
—Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 7 May 2024
These impulses tend to travel along similar pathways and release tiny chemicals called neurotransmitters along the way.
—Jennifer Robinson, The Conversation, 6 May 2024
Neuromodulators inhibit the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that relays nerve signals to the muscle.
—Taryn Brooke, Allure, 16 Apr. 2024
These receptors form the endocannabinoid system, which acts as conductor for an orchestra of neurotransmitters, turning up or down the volume on sleep, temperature, pain, hunger, learning, and memory.
—Julia Michie Bruckner, Discover Magazine, 5 Apr. 2024
Drinking alcohol alters the levels of neurotransmitters in your brain.
—Amanda MacMillan, Health, 26 Mar. 2024
Physiological changes in the brain in response to fluctuating hormone levels include inflammation, changes in the amount of neurotransmitters produced, changes in oxygen levels and glucose metabolism.
—Eileen Finan, Peoplemag, 10 Mar. 2024
This peptide prevents wrinkles by inhibiting the release of neurotransmitters—as Botox does.
—Glamour, 1 Mar. 2024
Usually, the brain sends signals through the electrical impulses and the release of neurotransmitters between cells.
—Eryn Brown, Washington Post, 23 Feb. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'neurotransmitter.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1961, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near neurotransmitter
Cite this Entry
“Neurotransmitter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/neurotransmitter. Accessed 28 May. 2024.
Kids Definition
neurotransmitter
noun
neu·ro·trans·mit·ter
ˌn(y)u̇r-ō-tran(t)s-ˈmit-ər
-tranz-
: a substance (as acetylcholine) that carries a nerve impulse from one neuron to another across a synapse
Medical Definition
neurotransmitter
noun
neu·ro·trans·mit·ter
ˌn(y)u̇r-ō-tran(t)s-ˈmit-ər, -tranz-
: a substance (as norepinephrine or acetylcholine) that transmits nerve impulses across a synapse see false neurotransmitter
More from Merriam-Webster on neurotransmitter
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about neurotransmitter
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