dendrite

noun

den·​drite ˈden-ˌdrīt 

1

: a branching treelike figure produced on or in a mineral by a foreign mineral

also : the mineral so marked

2

: a crystallized arborescent form

3

: any of the usually branching protoplasmic processes that conduct impulses toward the body of a neuron see neuron illustration

Examples of dendrite in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The drug not only bolstered dendrites but also improved the rats’ behaviors. —Clayton Dalton, New Yorker, 13 Mar. 2026

In addition, dendrites can penetrate the separator and create an internal short circuit between the anode and cathode. —New Atlas, 13 Mar. 2026

Gray matter consists of regions of nerve cell bodies and branching nerve fibers called dendrites, as well as points of connection between nerve cells. —Christopher M. Filley, The Conversation, 3 Feb. 2026

Solid-state batteries face fundamental obstacles pertaining to interface stability, dendrite formation, and cycle life at scale. —Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1728, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for dendrite

• acquit
• admit
• amrit
• armpit
• backlit
• befit
• cockpit
• commit
• dalit
• emit
• illite
• misfit

Kids Definition

dendrite

noun

den·​drite ˈden-ˌdrīt 

1

: a branching figure (as in a mineral or stone) resembling a tree

2

: any of the usually branching extensions of a neuron over which impulses travel toward the cell body compare axon

dendritic

den-ˈdrit-ik

adjective

Medical Definition

dendrite

noun

den·​drite ˈden-ˌdrīt 

: any of the usually branching protoplasmic processes that conduct impulses toward the body of a nerve cell

dendritic

den-ˈdrit-ik 

adjective