neuron

American  

[noor-on, nyoor-] / ˈnʊər ɒn, ˈnyʊər- /

especially British, neurone

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.

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neuron Scientific  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• neuronal adjective

Etymology

Origin of neuron

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

Example Sentences

Another important next step is to examine what happens if the interaction between these neuron groups is intentionally disrupted.

From Science Daily • Mar. 24, 2026

As the experiment progressed, the interaction between these two neuron groups became stronger.

From Science Daily • Mar. 24, 2026

When glutamate reaches the next neuron, it can cause that cell to fire, continuing the chain of communication.

From Science Daily • Dec. 29, 2025

They also applied drugs that selectively block certain molecular sensors, making it possible to pinpoint which ion channels were active in each type of neuron.

From Science Daily • Dec. 18, 2025

A battle between neurochip and neuron, survival and sacrifice.

From "The Adoration of Jenna Fox" by Mary E. Pearson