neuropeptide

noun

neu·​ro·​pep·​tide ˌnu̇r-ə-ˈpep-ˌtīd How to pronounce neuropeptide (audio)
ˌnyu̇r-
: an endogenous peptide that influences neural activity or functioning

Examples of neuropeptide in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The researchers found higher levels of that brain chemical—neuropeptide Y (NPY)—in humans, compared with our closest living relatives. Joanna Thompson, Scientific American, 11 Sep. 2023 Orexin is a neuropeptide that is involved in regulating wakefulness and arousal. The Salt Lake Tribune, 15 Aug. 2023 Adrafinil may stimulate the production of orexin, a neuropeptide that is involved in regulating wakefulness and arousal [7]. The Salt Lake Tribune, 1 Aug. 2023 But dopamine is not a neuropeptide. Neuroskeptic, Discover Magazine, 8 May 2017 And the activity increases the release of neuropeptide Y, a substance that is linked to stress reduction. Andrea Petersen, WSJ, 2 Aug. 2022 The brand spent years researching the botanical actives—among them Neurophroline, a wild indigo extract that activates the release of a calming neuropeptide—that would work best in tandem to counteract the skin’s stress response. Fiorella Valdesolo, WSJ, 14 Apr. 2021 Laughter can even boost our immune system response through the release of stress-and illness-reducing neuropeptides. Everyday Einstein Sabrina Stierwalt, Scientific American, 9 Feb. 2020 In human mothers, levels of this neuropeptide increase when labor begins. Jen Christensen, CNN, 2 Dec. 2019 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'neuropeptide.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1973, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of neuropeptide was in 1973

Dictionary Entries Near neuropeptide

Cite this Entry

“Neuropeptide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/neuropeptide. Accessed 24 Sep. 2023.

Medical Definition

neuropeptide

noun
neu·​ro·​pep·​tide ˌn(y)u̇r-ə-ˈpep-ˌtīd How to pronounce neuropeptide (audio)
: an endogenous peptide (as an endorphin or an enkephalin) that influences neural activity or functioning

More from Merriam-Webster on neuropeptide

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