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

With astrocytes out of the picture, glutamate, a key neurotransmitter, spilled into extrasynaptic zones, flipping on NMDA receptors and revving up vasopressin neuron activity. —Pranjal Malewar, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2025

The system is not there to facilitate getting high, D’Souza said, but to help regulate the levels and activities of neurotransmitters that affect our mood, learning, body temperature and more. —Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2025

Psychedelics, broadly defined, are a class of psychoactive substances that alter perception, cognition and mood through their interaction with neurotransmitters such as serotonin. —Pardis Mahdavi, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2025

Estrogen plays a critical role in regulating dopamine, which is the neurotransmitter most closely tied to focus, motivation, and executive function. —Jennifer Jay Palumbo, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1961, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for neurotransmitter

• babysitter
• bitter
• critter
• fitter
• fritter
• glitter
• hitter
• jitter
• knitter
• litter
• quitter
• ritter

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