glutamate

noun

glu·​ta·​mate ˈglü-tə-ˌmāt 

: a salt or ester of glutamic acid

specifically : a salt or ester of levorotatory glutamic acid that functions as an excitatory neurotransmitter compare monosodium glutamate

Examples of glutamate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Kirkpatrick informed the Kowalskis that those suffering from CRPS often show elevated levels of glutamate, an amino acid, which can be inhibited by ketamine infusions. —Sophie Dodd, PEOPLE, 9 Nov. 2025

Mental Health Researchers have found that sulforaphane may help reduce levels of glutamate in the brain. —Christopher Bergland, Verywell Health, 6 Nov. 2025

Genetic factors also play a role, as do neurochemical imbalances involving serotonin, dopamine, and glutamate. —Angela Haupt, Time, 4 Nov. 2025

This crucial enzyme transforms glutamate (a stimulating neurotransmitter) into GABA (a calming one). —Pranjal Malewar, New Atlas, 14 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing glutamate

• monosodium glutamate

Rhymes for glutamate

• abdicate
• abrogate
• acetate
• activate
• actuate
• adsorbate
• aggravate
• agitate
• alginate
• alienate
• allocate
• amputate

Medical Definition

glutamate

noun

glu·​ta·​mate ˈglüt-ə-ˌmāt 

: a salt or ester of glutamic acid

specifically : a salt or ester of levorotatory glutamic acid that functions as an excitatory neurotransmitter see monosodium glutamate