synaptic

adjective

syn·​ap·​tic sə-ˈnap-tik How to pronounce synaptic (audio)
1
: of or relating to a synapsis
2
: of or relating to a synapse
synaptically adverb

Examples of synaptic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The science behind language learning's impact on the brain lies in its ability to stimulate synaptic plasticity, the process by which neural connections are strengthened and refined. John Werner, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025 This process of synaptic plasticity is what produces representations of new information and experiences within your brain. Takaki Komiyama, The Conversation, 17 Apr. 2025 And people who have moderate to severe depression show reductions in various parts of the brain in synaptic density, which tells us that these synapses are being eliminated. Steven Strogatz, Quanta Magazine, 23 May 2024 Their hypothesis was simple: The participants who took the drug instead of the placebo would show more synaptic density. WIRED, 26 Oct. 2023 See All Example Sentences for synaptic

Word History

Etymology

New Latin synapsis

First Known Use

1895, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of synaptic was in 1895

Cite this Entry

“Synaptic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/synaptic. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

Medical Definition

synaptic

adjective
syn·​ap·​tic
si-ˈnap-tik, British also sī-
1
: of, relating to, or participating in synapsis
synaptic chromosomes
2
: of or relating to a synapse
synaptic transmission
synaptically adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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