neural

adjective

neu·​ral ˈnu̇r-əl  ˈnyu̇r- 

1

: of, relating to, or affecting a nerve or the nervous system

2

: situated in the region of or on the same side of the body as the brain and spinal cord : dorsal

neurally

ˈnu̇r-ə-lē 

ˈnyu̇r-

adverb

Examples of neural in a Sentence

She suffers from a neural disorder.

Recent Examples on the Web

The cognitive processes behind adaptation Far from being rudimentary, the study investigated the neural mechanics behind these visual representations, suggesting the presence of abstract thought—a crucial step in the evolution of human thinking. —Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 1 Mar. 2026

His research focuses on the neural and psychological underpinnings of visual perception and mental imagery. —Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 26 Feb. 2026

Tics arise from dysfunction in neural circuits involved in movement and impulse control. —Rena Zito, Fortune, 26 Feb. 2026

Especially high levels also sometimes muted neural activity in the MPOA. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 18 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Greek neûron "sinew, tendon, nerve" + -al entry 1 — more at nerve entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1847, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing neural

• neural arch
• neural crest
• neural network
• neural pathway
• neural plate
• neural tube

Rhymes for neural

• crural
• dural
• jural
• mural
• pleural
• plural
• rural
• extramural
• intramural
• intrapleural
• figural
• flexural

Kids Definition

neural

adjective

neu·​ral ˈn(y)u̇r-əl 

: of, relating to, or affecting a nerve or the nervous system

Medical Definition

neural

adjective

neu·​ral ˈn(y)u̇r-əl 

1

: of, relating to, or affecting a nerve or the nervous system

2

: situated in the region of or on the same side of the body as the brain and spinal cord : dorsal compare hemal sense 2

neurally

-ə-lē 

adverb