axon

[ ak-son ]

noun

1. Cell Biology. the appendage of the neuron that transmits impulses away from the cell body.

axon

/ ˈæksəʊn; ˈæksɒn /

noun

1. the long threadlike extension of a nerve cell that conducts nerve impulses from the cell body Compare dendrite

axon

/ ăk′sŏn′ /

1. The long portion of a neuron that conducts impulses away from the body of the cell.
2. Also called nerve fiber

axon

1. The part of a nerve cell or neuron that transfers a nerve impulse from the nerve cell body to a synapse with another cell. ( See action potential .) Depending on the location of the cell, the length of an axon can vary widely. In some cases (such as the axons that form the spinal cord ), they may be several feet long.

Derived Forms

• ˈaxonal, adjective

Other Words From

• axon·al [ak, -s, uh, -nl, ‑-son-l], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of axon¹

1835–45; < New Latin < Greek áxōn an axle, axis; akin to Latin axis

Word History and Origins

Origin of axon¹

C19: via New Latin from Greek: axis, axle, vertebra

Example Sentences

"The activity of a neuron can regulate the extent to which its axon is myelinated."

From Science Daily

"The variances in brain structures of females and males not only illuminate why this disparity exists, but also exposes biomarkers, such as axon protein fragments, that can be measured in the blood to determine injury severity, monitor recovery, and eventually help identify and develop treatments that help patients repair these damaged structures and restore cognitive function."

From Science Daily

Taser rebranded itself in 2017 as Axon.

From Seattle Times

The researchers demonstrated axon regeneration in animal models and human cells taken from retinae donated by patients.

From Science Daily

Proteins in the netrin family guide axon growth paths and promote new vascular growth.

From Science Daily