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

Glycine is an amino acid which serves functions in many areas of the human body such as a neurotransmitter, a component in collagen, and a building block for other important molecules in the body. —Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 9 June 2026

Those neurotransmitters play important roles in attention, memory consolidation and neuroplasticity. —Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 June 2026

Nerves release a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine, which binds to the receptor and tells muscles to contract. —Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026

These swings impact the brain’s neurotransmitters and stress systems in a way that makes emotional regulation harder. —Simone Sauter, Parents, 30 May 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