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
Words nearby gamma-aminobutyric acid
gamma ray,
gamma ray astronomy,
gamma ray burst,
gamma rays,
gamma stock,
gamma-aminobutyric acid,
gamma-benzene hexachloride,
gamma-ray astronomy,
gamma-ray burst,
gammadion,
gammagram
British Dictionary definitions for gamma-aminobutyric acid
Medical definitions for gamma-aminobutyric acid
gamma-aminobutyric acid
[ găm′ə-ə-mē′nō-byōō-tîr′ĭk, -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-tîr′ĭk, -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.