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

Gray matter contains short projections called dendrites that help neurons receive signals. —New Atlas, 29 July 2025

Kim says the mechanical properties of carbon could also play a role in dendrite suppression, but this was not tested. —IEEE Spectrum, 7 June 2025

Batteries also form clumps of lithium ions called dendrites, which grow and can cause internal shorts. —ArsTechnica, 11 July 2025

The signals are then received by intricate, branched filaments called dendrites and the junctions at which these structures connect are called synapses. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 17 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1751, 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