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

Levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that helps control movement, coordination, and muscle control, are reduced in Parkinson’s disease (PD). —New Atlas, 16 Mar. 2025

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is important for triggering movement. —Janelle McSwiggin, Msn, Health, 15 Mar. 2025

One of these neurotransmitters, called dopamine, plays a role in regulating the phrenic nerve, which controls breathing in the diaphragm. —Adrianna Rodriguez, USA TODAY, 26 Feb. 2025

Lean Poultry The amino acids in protein from foods help form the hormones and neurotransmitters involved in the body's stress response. —Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 26 Feb. 2025

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