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

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation, sleep, appetite, memory and emotional processing. — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 23 June 2026

Histamine acts as a neurotransmitter involved in alertness and immune signaling. — Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 18 June 2026

The dual hormone/neurotransmitter helps to regulate your stress levels, slow your heart rate, and allows a feeling of safety and contentment to wash over you. — Laura Kiniry, Popular Science, 17 June 2026

Those neurotransmitters play important roles in attention, memory consolidation and neuroplasticity. — Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 June 2026

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