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

This receptor normally gives passage to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), an important molecule that inhibits brain activity. —Rj MacKenzie, Popular Science, 3 Sep. 2025

Astrocytic gamma-aminobutyric acid dysregulation as a therapeutic target for posttraumatic stress disorder. —Hannah Millington, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Aug. 2025

Taking oral magnesium affects several chemicals and neurotransmitters, like gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), in your brain that support sleep and relaxation. —Health, 16 June 2025

Zolpidem instead interacts with the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmitter, which lemborexant doesn't impact. —Bronwyn Thompson, New Atlas, 1 June 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