synaptic

adjective

syn·​ap·​tic sə-ˈnap-tik How to pronounce synaptic (audio)
1
: of or relating to a synapsis
2
: of or relating to a synapse
synaptically adverb

Examples of synaptic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
And people who have moderate to severe depression show reductions in various parts of the brain in synaptic density, which tells us that these synapses are being eliminated. Steven Strogatz, Quanta Magazine, 23 May 2024 Their hypothesis was simple: The participants who took the drug instead of the placebo would show more synaptic density. WIRED, 26 Oct. 2023 Tracing them would map out the brain’s synapses, allowing scientists to measure synaptic density. WIRED, 26 Oct. 2023 Then in 2016, researchers developed a way to detect synaptic activity in live human brains during PET scans. WIRED, 26 Oct. 2023 See all Example Sentences for synaptic 

Word History

Etymology

New Latin synapsis

First Known Use

1895, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of synaptic was in 1895

Dictionary Entries Near synaptic

Cite this Entry

“Synaptic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/synaptic. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

synaptic

adjective
syn·​ap·​tic
si-ˈnap-tik, British also sī-
1
: of, relating to, or participating in synapsis
synaptic chromosomes
2
: of or relating to a synapse
synaptic transmission
synaptically adverb
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!