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

Using an imaging technique that lights up the endings of the nerve cells that make dopamine, the researchers showed that people continued to produce more of the neurotransmitter than before the transplant. —Lisa Jarvis, Twin Cities, 9 May 2025

Alcohol also interferes with the brain’s neurotransmitter systems — particularly GABA and glutamate — disrupting mood, memory and learning. —Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025

Zolpidem instead interacts with the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmitter, which lemborexant doesn't impact. —Bronwyn Thompson, New Atlas, 1 June 2025

There’s also evidence that estrogen influences key neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine (which help regulate things like mood, motivation, and body functions), as well as improves connectivity between brain regions, Dr. Rosenbloom adds. —Carolyn L. Todd, SELF, 12 May 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