gap junction
noun
: an area of contact between adjacent cells characterized by modification of the plasma membranes for intercellular communication or transfer of low molecular-weight substances
Examples of gap junction in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
When the researchers blocked the tumor cells’ ability to build the straw-like structures, officially known as gap junctions, the tumors stopped growing.
—
Linda Carroll, NBC news, 20 Aug. 2025
Frank Winkler has started a glioblastoma trial targeting neurotransmitter receptors and gap junctions that are involved in signaling between neurons and cancer cells.
—Ingrid Wickelgren, Scientific American, 14 Feb. 2025
Cells have other options for exchanging molecules, most notably the structures called gap junctions and exosomes.
—Quanta Magazine, 23 Apr. 2018
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Linda Carroll, NBC news, 20 Aug. 2025
Frank Winkler has started a glioblastoma trial targeting neurotransmitter receptors and gap junctions that are involved in signaling between neurons and cancer cells.
—Ingrid Wickelgren, Scientific American, 14 Feb. 2025
Cells have other options for exchanging molecules, most notably the structures called gap junctions and exosomes.
—Quanta Magazine, 23 Apr. 2018
Cite this Entry
“Gap junction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gap%20junction. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
gap junction
noun
: an area of contact between adjacent cells characterized by modification of the plasma membranes for intercellular communication or transfer of low molecular-weight substances
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share