English Reference

Word

neurobiology

Phoneticsneu·ro·bi·ol·o·gy

Uncountable noun

Definition

n. the science that studies the brain, nerves, and how the nervous system controls the body.

n. the branch of biology concerned with the structure, function, and development of the nervous system. Encompasses molecular, cellular, and systems-level analysis of neural processes.

Examples

“She studies neurobiology to learn how the brain works.”

“The first-year course in neurobiology covers neurons, synapses, and how signals travel through the spinal cord.”

“Recent advances in neurobiology link disrupted sleep patterns to impaired memory consolidation, reshaping clinical approaches to neurodegenerative disease.”

Examples

simple

“She studies neurobiology to learn how the brain works.”

contextual

“The first-year course in neurobiology covers neurons, synapses, and how signals travel through the spinal cord.”

complex

“Recent advances in neurobiology link disrupted sleep patterns to impaired memory consolidation, reshaping clinical approaches to neurodegenerative disease.”

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “neurobiology” in context.

Verb

01. advance neurobiology

“New imaging techniques continue to advance neurobiology at a rapid pace.”

verb + noun

02. apply neurobiology

“Therapists increasingly apply neurobiology to improve treatment for trauma.”

verb + noun

Adjective

03. cognitive neurobiology

“She specializes in cognitive neurobiology, focusing on attention and decision-making.”

adj + noun

04. computational neurobiology

“Computational neurobiology uses mathematical models to simulate neural networks.”

adj + noun

05. developmental neurobiology

“Developmental neurobiology examines how the brain forms in early childhood.”

adj + noun

06. modern neurobiology

“Modern neurobiology has transformed our understanding of memory and learning.”

adj + noun

Noun

07. degree in neurobiology

“He holds a degree in neurobiology from University College London.”

noun + prep + noun

08. field of neurobiology

“The field of neurobiology has expanded dramatically in the last two decades.”

noun + prep + noun

09. a degree in neurobiology

“She earned a degree in neurobiology before training as a neurologist.”

10. advances in modern neurobiology

“Advances in modern neurobiology are reshaping treatment for depression.”

11. apply insights from neurobiology

“Educators can apply insights from neurobiology to improve classroom learning.”

12. groundbreaking research in neurobiology

“Groundbreaking research in neurobiology offers hope for spinal injury patients.”

Real-World Examples

“These breakthroughs will enable further investigations into the mechanisms of group movement, where Aljadeff and Lovett-Barron seek to understand the neurobiology of social copying in schools.”
Phys.org 26 Aug 2026
“For years, one of neurobiology’s biggest mysteries was the molecular on-ramp for our sense of touch.”
MIT Technology Review 12 Jun 2026
“When we're learning an area, trying to put together a new route, or figuring out how far apart things are," we rely primarily on the hippocampus, says Liz Chrastil, an associate professor of neurobiology and behaviour at the University of California, Irvine.”
BBC 29 Nov 2023
“According to the researchers, these results offer new insights into the octopus's intricate and advanced neurobiology, which supports a similarly complex range of behaviors, while also shedding light on the evolutionary development of sleep—an essential biological process.”
Reuters 25 Mar 2021

Synonyms

Word family

Related words

Domain

Biology

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
Frequency
Occasional
Level
C1 · Advanced
Updated

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