axon

noun

ax·​on ˈak-ˌsän 

variants or less commonly axone

ˈak-ˌsōn 

: a usually long and single nerve-cell process that usually conducts impulses away from the cell body see neuron illustration

axonal

ˈak-sə-nᵊl  ak-ˈsä-  -ˈsō- 

adjective

Examples of axon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These signals then travel down long strands of neural tissue called axons. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 17 Apr. 2025

Each axon forms an ending just beneath the skin’s surface; the different types of endings are mechanisms for picking up and interpreting the variety of touch sensations. —Ariel Bleicher, Quanta Magazine, 16 Apr. 2025

Scientists have long known those signals move from one neuron along fibers called axons and dendrites, using synapses to jump to the next neuron. —CBS News, 9 Apr. 2025

Scientists at Spain's University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) have identified a link between marathon running and a sharp reduction in the protective myelin that surrounds nerve fibers – axons – in the brain. —New Atlas, 25 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin axon, from Greek axōn

First Known Use

1895, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for axon

• anton
• argon
• baronne
• baryon
• baton
• boron
• buisson
• bygone
• capon
• cardon
• chiffon
• coupon

Kids Definition

axon

noun

ax·​on ˈak-ˌsän 

variants also axone

-ˌsōn 

: a usually long and single process of a neuron that usually carries impulses away from the cell body compare dendrite sense 2

axonal

ˈak-sən-ᵊl 

ak-ˈsän-

-ˈsōn-

adjective

Medical Definition

axon

noun

ax·​on ˈak-ˌsän 

variants also axone

-ˌsōn 

: a usually long and single nerve-cell process that usually conducts impulses away from the cell body