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

But glutamate can’t work without unlocking what is known as the NDMA receptor. —David Oliver, USA Today, 16 May 2025

One of these neurotransmitters is called glutamate. —David Oliver, USA Today, 16 May 2025

Alcohol also interferes with the brain’s neurotransmitter systems — particularly GABA and glutamate — disrupting mood, memory and learning. —Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025

Other meds your doctor may recommend For moderate to severe Alzheimer’s, your or your loved one’s doctor may also prescribe a glutamate regulator called memantine (often sold under brand names like Namenda and Valios). —Alisa Hrustic, SELF, 24 Mar. 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