motor neuron

noun

: a neuron that passes from the central nervous system or a ganglion toward a muscle and conducts an impulse that causes movement

called also motoneuron

Examples of motor neuron in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For Raban a hard, deep solace came in the work of Judt, whose clear mind endured through his decline from a motor neuron disease, ALS, until his death in 2010. —Colin Thubron, The New York Review of Books, 19 Jan. 2023

At 22, Mallon's arms slowly became paralyzed due to motor neuron disease. —Georgia Slater, Peoplemag, 8 Mar. 2024

Every year, some 64,000 people worldwide develop motor neuron disease, one of the more common causes of such entrapment. —IEEE Spectrum, 28 May 2022

There was a weaker apparent association between elevated biological age and Alzheimer’s disease and other motor neuron diseases, which include progressive spinal muscular atrophy and primary lateral sclerosis. —Erin Prater, Fortune Well, 6 Nov. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1898, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

motor neuron

noun

: a neuron that passes from the central nervous system or a ganglion toward or to a muscle and carries a nerve impulse that causes movement compare sensory neuron

Medical Definition

motor neuron

noun

: a neuron that passes from the central nervous system or a ganglion toward or to a muscle and conducts a nerve impulse that causes movement

called also motoneuron

compare interneuron, sensory neuron