neurotransmitter

[ noo r-oh-trans-mit-er, -tranz-, nyoo r- ]
/ ˌnʊər oʊˈtræns mɪt ər, -ˈtrænz-, ˌnyʊər- /

noun

any of several chemical substances, as epinephrine or acetylcholine, that transmit nerve impulses across a synapse to a postsynaptic element, as another nerve, muscle, or gland.

Origin of neurotransmitter

First recorded in 1960–65; neuro- + transmitter

Example sentences from the Web for neurotransmitter

British Dictionary definitions for neurotransmitter

neurotransmitter
/ (ˌnjʊərəʊtrænzˈmɪtə) /

noun

a chemical by which a nerve cell communicates with another nerve cell or with a muscle

Medical definitions for neurotransmitter

neurotransmitter
[ nur′ō-trănzmĭt-ər, -trăns- ]

n.

Any of the various chemical substances, such as acetylcholine, that transmit nerve impulses across a synapse.

Scientific definitions for neurotransmitter

neurotransmitter
[ nur′ō-trănzmĭt-ər ]

A chemical substance that is produced and secreted by a neuron and then diffuses across a synapse to cause excitation or inhibition of another neuron. Acetylcholine, norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin are examples of neurotransmitters.

Cultural definitions for neurotransmitter

neurotransmitter

Any one of a number of chemicals that are used to transmit nerve signals across a synapse. They are sprayed from the end of the “upstream” nerve cell and absorbed by receptors in the “downstream” cell.

notes for neurotransmitter

Drugs like Prozac and alcohol affect the emission and reception of neurotransmitters.