gamma-aminobutyric acid

[ gam-uh uh-mee-noh-byoo-tir-ik, -am-uh-noh- ]
/ ˈgæm ə əˌmi noʊ byuˈtɪr ɪk, -ˌæm ə noʊ- /

noun

GABA.

Origin of gamma-aminobutyric acid

First recorded in 1960–65; amino- + butyric acid

British Dictionary definitions for gamma-aminobutyric acid

gamma-aminobutyric acid
/ (ˌɡæməəˌmiːnəuːbjʊˈtɪrɪk) /

noun

the full name for GABA

Medical definitions for gamma-aminobutyric acid

gamma-aminobutyric acid
[ găm′ə-ə-mē′nō-byōō-tîrĭk, -ăm′ə-nō- ]

n.

An amino acid that occurs in the central nervous system and that is associated with transmission of inhibitory nerve impulses.

Scientific definitions for gamma-aminobutyric acid

gamma-aminobutyric acid
[ găm′ə-ə-mē′nō-byōō-tîrĭk, -ăm′ə- ]

An amino acid occurring in the brain as a neurotransmitter that acts to inhibit the transmission of nerve impulses. Certain antianxiety drugs, called benzodiazepines, mimic the actions of gamma-aminobutyric acid. Chemical formula: C4H9NO2.