Word
Definition
n. a special cell in your brain and body that sends and receives messages using electricity.
n. an electrically excitable cell that processes and transmits information through electrical and chemical signals.
Examples
“The brain contains billions of neurons that communicate with each other.”
“When you touch a hot surface, sensory neurons send a fast signal to your brain to pull your hand away.”
“The complex architecture of the human brain relies on the synaptic connections formed between neurons, which allow for the rapid integration of sensory data and cognitive processing.”
Examples
simple
“The brain contains billions of neurons that communicate with each other.”
contextual
“When you touch a hot surface, sensory neurons send a fast signal to your brain to pull your hand away.”
complex
“The complex architecture of the human brain relies on the synaptic connections formed between neurons, which allow for the rapid integration of sensory data and cognitive processing.”
Usage
Commonly used in medical and biological contexts; often paired with 'sensory', 'motor', or 'mirror'.
Real-World Examples
“That ability allows information to be stored and processed in the same place, resembling the way neurons function in the brain.” “Axons are extensions of nerve cells that allow neurons to communicate with one another.” “The human brain contains close to 100 billion neurons, linked through an enormous web of connections.” “Toxic clumps of abnormal proteins damage neurons and cause dementia.” Etymology
From New Latin, from Ancient Greek νεῦρον (neûron, “nerve”), doublet of nerve and sinew. By surface analysis, neuro- + -on.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Idioms
Domain
- 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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QR code
englishreference.com/q/neuron
「カタカナ語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0