growth cone

noun

: the specialized motile tip of an axon of a growing or regenerating neuron

Examples of growth cone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Microtubules are in green, growth cones are in red. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 17 Oct. 2023 The tip of the axon, called a growth cone, senses chemicals drifting by. Carl Zimmer, Discover Magazine, 16 May 2011

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'growth cone.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1970, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of growth cone was in 1970

Dictionary Entries Near growth cone

Cite this Entry

“Growth cone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/growth%20cone. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.

Medical Definition

growth cone

noun
: the specialized motile tip of an axon of a growing or regenerating nerve cell

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