neurotransmitter

[ noor-oh-trans-mit-er, -tranz-, nyoor- ]

noun

1. 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.

neurotransmitter

/ ˌnjʊərəʊtrænzˈmɪtə /

noun

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

neurotransmitter

/ nr′ō-trănz′mĭt-ər /

1. 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.

neurotransmitter

1. 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

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of neurotransmitter¹

First recorded in 1960–65; neuro- + transmitter

Example Sentences

And then, once the threat is dealt with, your body releases the neurotransmitter dopamine, which provides sensations of pleasure and relief.

From Salon

Glutamate is the most abundant neurotransmitter in the nervous system.

From BBC

Although low levels of iron in the blood are thought to trigger restless leg syndrome -- because they can lead to a fall in the neurotransmitter dopamine -- the researchers did not find strong genetic links to iron metabolism.

From Science Daily

Serotonin, a type of neurotransmitter, is produced by serotonin neurons in our brains and influences many of our behavioral and cognitive functions such as memory, sleep, and mood.

From Science Daily

Although the link between sugar and hyperactivity is murky at best, there is a proven link between the neurotransmitter dopamine and increased activity.

From Salon