NMDA

noun

ˌen-(ˌ)em-(ˌ)dē-ˈā 

: a synthetic amino acid C₅H₉NO₄ that binds selectively to a subset of glutamate receptors on neurons where the binding of glutamate results in the opening of calcium channels

Examples of NMDA in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In their article, published in Molecular Psychiatry, the researchers demonstrated that the gene mutation reduces the activity of the NMDA electrical receptor, which aids in neuronal communication, thereby increasing the risk of developing mental disorders. —Jorge Garay, Wired News, 8 Dec. 2025

Memantine Memantine works by preventing glutamate from attaching to the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor (binding site). —Ross Phan, Verywell Health, 12 Aug. 2025

Both the anesthetic and potential neuroprotective effects occur because xenon can bind to brain receptors called N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. —Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 29 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

N-methyl-D-aspartate

First Known Use

1986, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

NMDA

noun

ˌen-(ˌ)em-(ˌ)dē-ˈā 

: a synthetic amino acid C₅H₉NO₄ that binds selectively to a subset of glutamate receptors on neurons where the binding of glutamate results in the opening of calcium channels

called also N-methyl-D-aspartate