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

The neurons in the substantia nigra produce dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter that plays a vital role in controlling movement. —Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 23 July 2025

When estrogen levels are stable, these neurotransmitter systems work more efficiently—which helps support mood stability and emotional resilience. —Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 11 July 2025

That artificial sweetener crosses your blood-brain barrier and actually makes the neurotransmitter depletion worse. —Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 7 July 2025

Alcohol depresses the central nervous system by enhancing the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA and suppressing the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate. —Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 7 July 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