gamma-aminobutyric acid

noun

gam·​ma-ami·​no·​bu·​tyr·​ic acid ˌga-mə-ə-ˌmē-(ˌ)nō-byü-ˈtir-ik- 

ˌga-mə-ˌa-mə-(ˌ)nō-

: an amino acid C₄H₉NO₂ that is a neurotransmitter which induces inhibition of postsynaptic neurons

Examples of gamma-aminobutyric acid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These include serotonin, dopamine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which influence mood, sleep, attention, and stress responses.5 Adequate B6 levels help support:678 Brain development and function Mood regulation Healthy sleep patterns Cognitive performance and memory 3. —Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 15 Mar. 2026

This setting is used to cook rice at a low temperature and incredibly slowly, allowing the level of gamma-aminobutyric acid (or GABA) to gradually increase. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 13 Jan. 2026

Specifically, these compounds—which included lactic acid, acetic acid, gamma-aminobutyric acid, phenolic acids, and polyphenols—prevented inflammatory agents from damaging local cells. —Caroline Tien, SELF, 10 Dec. 2025

Short for gamma-aminobutyric acid, GABA is a naturally occurring amino acid that works as a calming neurotransmitter in the brain. —Brianna Peters, Vogue, 10 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1900, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for gamma-aminobutyric acid

• antacid
• placid

Medical Definition

gamma-aminobutyric acid

noun

gam·​ma-ami·​no·​bu·​tyr·​ic acid

variants also γ-aminobutyric acid

ˌgam-ə-ə-ˌmē-(ˌ)nō-byü-ˌtir-ik-, ˌgam-ə-ˌam-ə-(ˌ)nō- 

: an amino acid C₄H₉NO₂ that is a neurotransmitter that induces inhibition of postsynaptic neurons

called also GABA