NMDA

noun

ˌen-(ˌ)em-(ˌ)dē-ˈā 

: a synthetic amino acid C₅H₉NO₄ that binds selectively to a subset of glutamate receptors on neurons where the binding of glutamate results in the opening of calcium channels

Word History

Etymology

N-methyl-D-aspartate

First Known Use

1986, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

NMDA

noun

ˌen-(ˌ)em-(ˌ)dē-ˈā 

: a synthetic amino acid C₅H₉NO₄ that binds selectively to a subset of glutamate receptors on neurons where the binding of glutamate results in the opening of calcium channels

called also N-methyl-D-aspartate