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

Benzodiazepines work by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that slows brain activity. —Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 14 Mar. 2025

These include: Benzodiazepines, which work by increasing the level of gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA, a neurotransmitter that elicits a calming effect by reducing activity in the nervous system. —Ashley Bradford, The Conversation, 10 Jan. 2025

These herbs act on the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) to facilitate and improve sleep quality. —Amy Brownstein, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 16 Dec. 2024

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

Word History

First Known Use

1900, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for gamma-aminobutyric acid

• antacid
• placid

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