neurodevelopment

noun

neu·​ro·​de·​vel·​op·​ment ˌnu̇r-ō-di-ˈve-ləp-mənt 

ˌnyu̇r-

: the development of the nervous system : the formation of neuronal pathways and synaptic connections that are responsible for brain development and function

Studies have linked higher screen time in infancy to suboptimal neurodevelopment in children, including an increased risk of delayed language development, emotional problems, and poorer academic performance through preschool ages and childhood.

—Stephanie Weaver

"When we look at the genes involved in the differentiation of dog lineages, a lot of the action is in genes related to neurodevelopment, suggesting that selection for cognitive and behavioral features has probably been very important," Dr. [Evan] MacLean said.

—The New York Times

neurodevelopmental

ˌnu̇r-ō-di-ˌve-ləp-ˈmen-tᵊl 

ˌnyu̇r-

adjective

neurodevelopmental disorders

Examples of neurodevelopment in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In this case, researchers grew organoids to test lead’s influence on two variants of a gene tied to neurodevelopment called NOVA1. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 15 Oct. 2025

The animals’ skulls are later surgically opened, electrodes are implanted into their brains, and researchers show them visual stimuli (images of faces, for example) to examine how the sensory deprivation or other visual manipulations affected their neurodevelopment. —Marina Bolotnikova, Vox, 18 June 2025

Speech and neurodevelopment The division of labor between brain hemispheres is a hallmark of many human cognitive functions, especially language. —Hysell V. Oviedo, The Conversation, 4 June 2025

Prenatal exposure has been associated with lower birth weights, altered neurodevelopment and hormonal disruption in infancy, among others. —Ximena Araya-Fischel, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025

Some studies have suggested that fluoride may negatively impact children's neurodevelopment, including one recently published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics, which found an association between higher fluoride exposure and lower IQ scores in children. —Rebecca Cohen, NBC news, 28 Mar. 2025

Conflicting studies There is a conflicting body of research on the use of acetaminophen during pregnancy and the risk of adverse neurodevelopment. —Shiv Sudhakar, FOXNews.com, 27 Mar. 2025

Due to this vital job, the placenta plays a major role in the neurodevelopment of the fetus. —Stephanie Edwards, Discover Magazine, 21 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

neuro- + development

First Known Use

1974, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for neurodevelopment

• underdevelopment
• development
• envelopment
• redevelopment

Medical Definition

neurodevelopment

noun

neu·​ro·​de·​vel·​op·​ment -di-ˈvel-əp-mənt 

: the development of the nervous system : the formation of neuronal pathways and synaptic connections that are responsible for brain development and function

Beginning in the third week of gestation, neurodevelopment continues until at least the third decade of life.

—Valerie J. Sydnor et al., Neuron

Retinoic acid, a vitamin A derivate, has been shown to affect different molecular signaling pathways in the developing brain by regulating expression of several genes and promoting cell differentiation, making it important for the regulation of neurodevelopment.

—Tania Anjos et al., European Journal of Nutrition

neurodevelopmental

-ˌvel-əp-ˈment-ᵊl 

adjective

A major issue confronting clinicians who work with preterm infants and their families is the identification of infants who are most at risk for subsequent neurodevelopmental disability and who may benefit from early intervention services.

—Lianne J. Woodward et al., The New England Journal of Medicine