Word
neurotransmitter
Phoneticsneu·ro·trans·mit·ter
UK/njˈuːɹətɹˌænsmɪtɐ/
Definition
n. a chemical substance in your body that carries messages between your brain cells. It helps your brain control everything from your mood to your movements.
n. a chemical substance that transmits signals across a synapse from one neuron to another. It functions as a messenger within the nervous system to regulate various physiological and psychological processes.
Examples
“Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that affects how you feel about rewards.”
“Scientists are studying how certain foods can influence the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter linked to happiness and sleep.”
“The imbalance of specific neurotransmitters in the brain is often cited as a primary factor in the development of mood disorders such as depression and anxiety.”
Examples
simple
“Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that affects how you feel about rewards.”
contextual
“Scientists are studying how certain foods can influence the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter linked to happiness and sleep.”
complex
“The imbalance of specific neurotransmitters in the brain is often cited as a primary factor in the development of mood disorders such as depression and anxiety.”
Real-World Examples
“Oxytocin is a hormone and neurotransmitter produced naturally in the body that influences social interactions, among other things.” “Certain types of activity can strengthen pelvic floor muscles, which boosts sexual satisfaction in both men and women , and positively affects the levels of hormones and neurotransmitters tied to sexual response.” “Couvillon's lab also examined brain chemicals involved in honeybee behavior, including amino acids and neurotransmitters.” Etymology
From neuro- + transmitter.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
- 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
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/neurotransmitter