neural

adjective

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 How to pronounce neural (audio)
ˈnyu̇r-
adverb

Examples of neural in a Sentence

She suffers from a neural disorder.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
For example, epidemiologists use it to find superspreaders in disease networks, and neuroscientists apply it to brain imaging data to identify neural connectivity patterns. Jack Murtagh, Scientific American, 11 Oct. 2025 These electrodes detect and transmit neural activity, translating brain signals into precise digital commands, such as cursor movements, typing, or controlling external devices. Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 11 Oct. 2025 Dopamine release also facilitates a neurobiological process called conditioning, which is basically a neural learning process that gives rise to habit formation. Claire Wilcox, The Conversation, 10 Oct. 2025 And that changes the game for neural rendering. PC Magazine, 9 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for neural

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of neural was circa 1847

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Neural.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/neural. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

neural

adjective
neu·​ral ˈn(y)u̇r-əl How to pronounce neural (audio)
: of, relating to, or affecting a nerve or the nervous system

Medical Definition

neural

adjective
neu·​ral ˈn(y)u̇r-əl How to pronounce neural (audio)
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 adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on neural

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!