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

Zolpidem instead interacts with the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmitter, which lemborexant doesn't impact. —Bronwyn Thompson, New Atlas, 1 June 2025

There’s also evidence that estrogen influences key neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine (which help regulate things like mood, motivation, and body functions), as well as improves connectivity between brain regions, Dr. Rosenbloom adds. —Carolyn L. Todd, SELF, 12 May 2025

Addictive substances such as nicotine, alcohol and opioids hijack the brain’s reward pathway to trigger excess release of dopamine, the ‘feel-good’ neurotransmitter. —Lipi Roy, Forbes.com, 6 May 2025

This may be due to its ability to restore the activity of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, which are chemical messengers in the brain.11 Animal studies show curcumin can reduce symptoms of depression, and some clinical trials support these findings. —Lauren O'Connor, Health, 5 May 2025

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