neurotransmitter

noun

neu·​ro·​trans·​mit·​ter ˌnu̇r-ō-tran(t)s-ˈmi-tər 

-tranz-,

ˌnyu̇r-

: a substance (such as norepinephrine or acetylcholine) that transmits nerve impulses across a synapse

Examples of neurotransmitter in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Dopamine is a crucial neurotransmitter involved in our brain’s reward system. —Andrea Kane, CNN, 12 Feb. 2025

Additionally, magnesium aids in calming the nervous system by regulating neurotransmitters, which can improve sleep quality and relaxation. —Jennifer Shanker, Flow Space, 6 Feb. 2025

Stimulant medications are thought to work for ADHD by regulating key neurotransmitters in the brain. —Alison Escalante, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025

Duloxetine works by affecting two key neurotransmitters in the brain: serotonin and norepinephrine. —Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1961, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for neurotransmitter

• babysitter
• bitter
• critter
• fitter
• fritter
• glitter
• hitter
• jitter
• knitter
• litter
• quitter
• ritter

Kids Definition

neurotransmitter

noun

neu·​ro·​trans·​mit·​ter ˌn(y)u̇r-ō-tran(t)s-ˈmit-ər 

-tranz-

: a substance (as acetylcholine) that carries a nerve impulse from one neuron to another across a synapse

Medical Definition

neurotransmitter

noun

neu·​ro·​trans·​mit·​ter ˌn(y)u̇r-ō-tran(t)s-ˈmit-ər, -tranz- 

: a substance (as norepinephrine or acetylcholine) that transmits nerve impulses across a synapse see false neurotransmitter