action potential
noun
: a momentary reversal in electrical potential across a plasma membrane (as of a neuron or muscle fiber) that occurs when a cell has been activated by a stimulus
Examples of action potential in a Sentence
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By way of explanation, neurons communicate through electrical currents called action potentials, which can be excitatory or inhibitory.
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New Atlas, 15 Oct. 2024
Excitatory currents prompt one neuron to pass information on to the next through an action potential; inhibitory currents reduce the likelihood that information will be passed on.
—New Atlas, 15 Oct. 2024
In both brains, neurons fire action potentials, use common neurotransmitters, etc.
—Tom Hawking, Popular Science, 2 Oct. 2024
That hindered Miami’s play action potential, which led to Gesicki’s snap count being limited.
—Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 19 June 2024
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New Atlas, 15 Oct. 2024
Excitatory currents prompt one neuron to pass information on to the next through an action potential; inhibitory currents reduce the likelihood that information will be passed on.
—New Atlas, 15 Oct. 2024
In both brains, neurons fire action potentials, use common neurotransmitters, etc.
—Tom Hawking, Popular Science, 2 Oct. 2024
That hindered Miami’s play action potential, which led to Gesicki’s snap count being limited.
—Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 19 June 2024
See All Example Sentences for action potential
Cite this Entry
“Action potential.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/action%20potential. Accessed 28 Feb. 2025.
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