axon

noun

ax·​on ˈak-ˌsän How to pronounce axon (audio)
variants or less commonly axone
: a usually long and single nerve-cell process that usually conducts impulses away from the cell body see neuron illustration

Examples of axon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
And each genetically distinct type can be further subdivided based on its axon endings. Ariel Bleicher, Quanta Magazine, 16 Apr. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for axon

Word History

Etymology

New Latin axon, from Greek axōn

First Known Use

1895, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of axon was in 1895

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Cite this Entry

“Axon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/axon. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

axon

noun
ax·​on ˈak-ˌsän How to pronounce axon (audio)
variants also axone
: 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 How to pronounce axon (audio)
ak-ˈsän-
-ˈsōn-
adjective

Medical Definition

axon

noun
ax·​on ˈak-ˌsän How to pronounce axon (audio)
variants also axone
: a usually long and single nerve-cell process that usually conducts impulses away from the cell body

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