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

More recently, however, a 2021 study showed a measurable change in the brain caused by chronic pain; more specifically, in the decrease of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the prefrontal cortex. —Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 6 May 2025

Research suggests that ashwagandha may enhance sleep by reducing stress and promoting the production of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter (chemical messenger) that plays a role in relaxation. —Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 28 Apr. 2025

Benzodiazepines have been prescribed to treat severe anxiety, panic, and sleep disorders as well as seizures since the 1960s—the drug tells your brain to release a neurotransmitter called GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), which calms your body and mind, as well as sometimes results in drowsiness. —Cristina Tudino, Vogue, 21 Mar. 2025

Drinking floods the brain with the neurotransmitter (brain chemical) gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which contributes to feelings of short-term relaxation. —Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 19 Mar. 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