gap junction

noun

: an area of contact between adjacent cells characterized by modification of the plasma membranes for intercellular communication or transfer of low molecular-weight substances

Examples of gap junction in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web That's how electrical signals are transmitted through heart muscle to induce regular contractions: the pulses travel from cell to cell via connections called gap junctions. Philip Ball, Scientific American, 18 Apr. 2023 Cells have other options for exchanging molecules, most notably the structures called gap junctions and exosomes. Quanta Magazine, 23 Apr. 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'gap junction.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1967, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gap junction was in 1967

Dictionary Entries Near gap junction

Cite this Entry

“Gap junction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gap%20junction. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

gap junction

noun
: an area of contact between adjacent cells characterized by modification of the plasma membranes for intercellular communication or transfer of low molecular-weight substances
gap-junctional adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on gap junction

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!