# neurotransmitter

/njˈuːɹətɹˌænsmɪtɐ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/neurotransmitter
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

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