gamma-aminobutyric acid

noun

gam·​ma-ami·​no·​bu·​tyr·​ic acid ˌga-mə-ə-ˌmē-(ˌ)nō-byü-ˈtir-ik- 

ˌga-mə-ˌa-mə-(ˌ)nō-

: an amino acid C₄H₉NO₂ that is a neurotransmitter which induces inhibition of postsynaptic neurons

Examples of gamma-aminobutyric acid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Revox 7 serum also contains gamma-aminobutyric acid, another form of amino acid that reduces the appearance of prominent lines and skin creasing. —Sarah Han, Allure, 27 Sep. 2024

Common neurotransmitters include serotonin, epinephrine, dopamine, acetylcholine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). —Smita Patel, Verywell Health, 25 Sep. 2024

Magnesium binds with a chemical messenger in our brains called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GAMA), which then signals to our nervous system to relax. —Audrey Noble, Allure, 13 Sep. 2024

Herbal teas like valerian root, lemon balm, and chamomile act on the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) to facilitate and improve sleep quality. —Amy Brownstein, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 10 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1900, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

gamma-aminobutyric acid

noun

gam·​ma-ami·​no·​bu·​tyr·​ic acid

variants also γ-aminobutyric acid

ˌgam-ə-ə-ˌmē-(ˌ)nō-byü-ˌtir-ik-, ˌgam-ə-ˌam-ə-(ˌ)nō- 

: an amino acid C₄H₉NO₂ that is a neurotransmitter that induces inhibition of postsynaptic neurons

called also GABA