neurotransmitter

noun

neu·​ro·​trans·​mit·​ter ˌnu̇r-ō-tran(t)s-ˈmi-tər 

-tranz-,

ˌnyu̇r-

: a substance (such as norepinephrine or acetylcholine) that transmits nerve impulses across a synapse

Examples of neurotransmitter in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But if a person stays up, the brain thinks the body needs to be awake and sends wake-promoting neurotransmitters. —Adrianna Rodriguez, USA Today, 15 Oct. 2025

Upregulation causes a cell to add more receptors for a neurotransmitter, thus boosting its ability to respond. —Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2025

This crucial enzyme transforms glutamate (a stimulating neurotransmitter) into GABA (a calming one). —Pranjal Malewar, New Atlas, 14 Oct. 2025

This protein is needed for the formation of cilia — hairlike protrusions that cells can use to move — as well as in the assembly of the mitotic spindle that organizes chromosomes during cell division, and for the transport of neurotransmitters in neurons. —Quanta Magazine, 8 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1961, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for neurotransmitter

• babysitter
• bitter
• critter
• fitter
• fritter
• glitter
• hitter
• jitter
• knitter
• litter
• quitter
• ritter

Kids Definition

neurotransmitter

noun

neu·​ro·​trans·​mit·​ter ˌn(y)u̇r-ō-tran(t)s-ˈmit-ər 

-tranz-

: a substance (as acetylcholine) that carries a nerve impulse from one neuron to another across a synapse

Medical Definition

neurotransmitter

noun

neu·​ro·​trans·​mit·​ter ˌn(y)u̇r-ō-tran(t)s-ˈmit-ər, -tranz- 

: a substance (as norepinephrine or acetylcholine) that transmits nerve impulses across a synapse see false neurotransmitter