neuron

[ noor-on, nyoor- ]

noun

1. Cell Biology. a specialized, impulse-conducting cell that is the functional unit of the nervous system, consisting of the cell body and its processes, the axon and dendrites.

neuron

/ nr′ŏn′ /

1. A cell of the nervous system. Neurons typically consist of a cell body, which contains a nucleus and receives incoming nerve impulses, and an axon, which carries impulses away from the cell body.
2. Also called nerve cell

Other Words From

• neu·ron·al [noor, -, uh, -nl, nyoor, -, n, oo, -, rohn, -l, ny, oo, -], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of neuron¹

First recorded in 1880–85, neuron is from the Greek word neûron sinew, cord, nerve

Example Sentences

Han's team hypothesized that certain emotions or behaviors could lead cortical neurons to activate the pons, which would then lower activity in the medulla, resulting in slower breath.

From Science Daily

"This inflammatory chemical can directly interact with neurons in a region of the brain important for learning and memory," Bernard said.

From Science Daily

"We discovered at least two different stem cell populations -- one that regenerates tissues such as epidermis and neurons, and another that forms muscles and connective tissue," says Adelmann.

From Science Daily

The researchers used these so-called primary neurons to determine that hepatitis E viruses are capable of infecting the nerve cells directly.

From Science Daily

The team hoped to use the light pulses to prevent the bursts by switching off neurons that contained light-sensitive proteins.

From Science Daily