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 researchers then added chemical sensors that could detect ions, such as sodium, and neurotransmitters like dopamine. —New Atlas, 30 Sep. 2025

Most release chemical messengers known as neurotransmitters, which travel across the tiny gaps known as synapses and dock onto cuplike proteins called receptors on the next neuron. —Yasemin Saplakoglu, Quanta Magazine, 29 Sep. 2025

Gontang notes that exercise stimulates endorphins and other neurotransmitters that reduce stress, elevate mood and ease anxiety and depression. —Daryl Austin, USA Today, 24 Sep. 2025

Substances like alcohol disrupt our delicate system of neurotransmitter activity, intensifying anxiety and other long-term health challenges. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 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