synaptic

adjective

syn·​ap·​tic sə-ˈnap-tik 

1

: of or relating to a synapsis

2

: of or relating to a synapse

synaptically

sə-ˈnap-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of synaptic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In a patient with epileptic encephalopathy, Atlas pointed the scientists to a variant in DNM1, a gene important to synaptic function in brain cells. — Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 8 Sep. 2026

The team used this to look specifically at engram synapses, specialized synaptic connections between memory-storing neurons. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 22 Aug. 2026

This property, called synaptic plasticity, meant the researchers could train their acoustic synapse to perform a range of tasks. — IEEE Spectrum, 18 June 2026

Maybe there’s a way to hack the algorithm constructively, to create virtual synaptic connections that don’t quite exist yet. — Alma Rota, Rolling Stone, 17 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin synapsis

First Known Use

1895, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for synaptic

• postsynaptic
• presynaptic

Medical Definition

synaptic

adjective

syn·​ap·​tic

si-ˈnap-tik, British also sī-

1

: of, relating to, or participating in synapsis

synaptic chromosomes

2

: of or relating to a synapse

synaptic transmission

synaptically

-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb