axon

noun

ax·​on ˈak-ˌsän 

variants or less commonly axone

ˈak-ˌsōn 

: a usually long and single nerve-cell process that usually conducts impulses away from the cell body see neuron illustration

axonal

ˈak-sə-nᵊl  ak-ˈsä-  -ˈsō- 

adjective

Examples of axon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Scientists at Spain's University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) have identified a link between marathon running and a sharp reduction in the protective myelin that surrounds nerve fibers – axons – in the brain. —New Atlas, 25 Mar. 2025

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, a diffuse axonal injury (DAI) occurs when the brain's long nerve fibers (axons) are torn due to the brain shifting and rotating within the skull during an injury. —Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 17 Jan. 2025

These axons, during a normal part of development, might decide to start retracting. —Steven Strogatz, Quanta Magazine, 5 Dec. 2024

There are cases in development where axons grow out of a neuron. —Steven Strogatz, Quanta Magazine, 5 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin axon, from Greek axōn

First Known Use

1895, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for axon

• anton
• argon
• baronne
• baryon
• baton
• boron
• buisson
• bygone
• capon
• cardon
• chiffon
• coupon

Kids Definition

axon

noun

ax·​on ˈak-ˌsän 

variants also axone

-ˌsōn 

: a usually long and single process of a neuron that usually carries impulses away from the cell body compare dendrite sense 2

axonal

ˈak-sən-ᵊl 

ak-ˈsän-

-ˈsōn-

adjective

Medical Definition

axon

noun

ax·​on ˈak-ˌsän 

variants also axone

-ˌsōn 

: a usually long and single nerve-cell process that usually conducts impulses away from the cell body