neurotransmitter

noun

neu·​ro·​trans·​mit·​ter ˌnu̇r-ō-tran(t)s-ˈmi-tər How to pronounce neurotransmitter (audio)
-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
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.
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 See All Example Sentences for neurotransmitter

Word History

First Known Use

1961, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of neurotransmitter was in 1961

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Cite this Entry

“Neurotransmitter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/neurotransmitter. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

neurotransmitter

noun
neu·​ro·​trans·​mit·​ter ˌn(y)u̇r-ō-tran(t)s-ˈmit-ər How to pronounce neurotransmitter (audio)
-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- How to pronounce neurotransmitter (audio)
: a substance (as norepinephrine or acetylcholine) that transmits nerve impulses across a synapse see false neurotransmitter

More from Merriam-Webster on neurotransmitter

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