gamma-aminobutyric acid

noun

gam·​ma-ami·​no·​bu·​tyr·​ic acid ˌga-mə-ə-ˌmē-(ˌ)nō-byü-ˈtir-ik- 

ˌga-mə-ˌa-mə-(ˌ)nō-

: an amino acid C₄H₉NO₂ that is a neurotransmitter which induces inhibition of postsynaptic neurons

Examples of gamma-aminobutyric acid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Alcohol increases the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), for example. —Amanda MacMillan, Health, 26 Mar. 2024

For example, valerian may increase the amount or function of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), a neurotransmitter associated with sleep. —Avery Hurt, Discover Magazine, 11 Mar. 2024

Plus, Kin’s addition of ingredients like caffeine and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that inhibits nerve cell’s ability to receive stress signals, intend to give you a boost of energy while reducing stress—the sweet spot for any kind of socializing. —Sam Stone, Bon Appétit, 1 Feb. 2024

These natural compounds work by regulating neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which play crucial roles in promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 5 Aug. 2023

It is thought to achieve this by influencing the release and activity of various neurotransmitters, such as GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), which is known for its calming effects. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 22 July 2023

Alcohol stimulates receptors for a neurotransmitter in the brain called gamma-aminobutyric acid (or GABA), which quiets the nervous system and reduces brain activity. —Good Housekeeping, 17 Apr. 2023

In late 2021, Japanese company Sanatech Seed began selling special tomatoes that had been genetically modified to produce high levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a compound naturally found in the brain. —Vivek Wadhwa, Fortune, 27 Feb. 2023

Valerian is thought to affect levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). —Cathy Wong, Verywell Health, 15 Feb. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1900, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

gamma-aminobutyric acid

noun

gam·​ma-ami·​no·​bu·​tyr·​ic acid

variants also γ-aminobutyric acid

ˌgam-ə-ə-ˌmē-(ˌ)nō-byü-ˌtir-ik-, ˌgam-ə-ˌam-ə-(ˌ)nō- 

: an amino acid C₄H₉NO₂ that is a neurotransmitter that induces inhibition of postsynaptic neurons

called also GABA