neuroplasticity

noun

neu·​ro·​plas·​tic·​i·​ty ˌnu̇r-ō-pla-ˈsti-sə-tē How to pronounce neuroplasticity (audio)
ˌnyu̇r-

Examples of neuroplasticity in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The finding suggests that SSRIs improve neuroplasticity during the first weeks or months of treatments, and that neuroplasticity contributes to the drugs’ benefit—and to the delay before users feel better. WIRED, 26 Oct. 2023 Knudsen believes that SSRIs owe their efficacy at least in part to boosting neuroplasticity. WIRED, 26 Oct. 2023 The larger goal of the Dinner Party, as Broder calls the event, was to explore the power of food in triggering memories, improving quality of life, and enhancing neuroplasticity—things that are difficult to achieve with medicines. Peggy Orenstein, The New Yorker, 5 Sep. 2023 Exercise Improves Brain Plasticity According to researchers, aerobic exercise and weight training help the brain become more flexible, improving neuroplasticity. Kelly Santana Banks, Discover Magazine, 7 Mar. 2023 The combination of these ingredients is said to promote neuroplasticity and increase alpha brain waves for enhanced creativity and mental clarity. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 2 July 2023 Because ketamine works on a systemic and psychological level to increase neuroplasticity, timing is everything. Aubree Nichols, ELLE, 21 Feb. 2023 Antidepressant drugs bind to TrkB, the researchers found—not taking the role of BDNF, but giving its signaling process a helping hand and triggering neuroplasticity, thought to be an important part of the antidepressant response. Bycathleen O’Grady, science.org, 5 June 2023 Bones can heal themselves; skin constantly replaces itself; the brain can make new connections thanks to neuroplasticity; lungs can generate healthy cells when someone quits smoking. Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 3 Nov. 2022 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'neuroplasticity.' 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

1975, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of neuroplasticity was in 1975

Dictionary Entries Near neuroplasticity

Cite this Entry

“Neuroplasticity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/neuroplasticity. Accessed 4 Dec. 2023.

Medical Definition

neuroplasticity

noun
neu·​ro·​plas·​tic·​i·​ty ˌn(y)u̇r-ō-pla-ˈsti-sə-tē How to pronounce neuroplasticity (audio)
: plasticity sense 4
neuroplasticity, the capacity of the brain to develop and change throughout life, something Western science once thought impossible.Time
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