Word
synapse
US/ˈsɪæps/
UK/sˈɪnæps/
Definitions
01nerve junction
n. the small space between two nerve cells where a message passes from one cell to the next.
n. the functional junction between the axon terminal of one neuron and the dendrite or cell body of another, or an effector cell.
“Chemicals travel across the synapse to carry information between neurons in your brain.”
“The researchers observed how the strength of the synapse changed after repeated stimulation, suggesting a mechanism for long-term memory formation.”
Technical
Usage
Usually functions as a countable noun in biological contexts.
Synonyms
02to connect nerves
v. to form a connection between nerve cells so signals can pass.
v. to form a synapse or undergo the process of connecting neurons.
“During brain development, billions of neurons begin to synapse with one another.”
“The study aimed to determine the specific conditions under which newly formed neurons synapse with existing circuits in the adult hippocampus.”
Technical
Usage
This verb is intransitive and does not take a direct object.
Real-World Examples
“The new framework proposes that the brain learns these recurring patterns and stores them within networks of synapses.” “Hibernation cuts down on synapses, but mice seem to retain memories anyway.” Etymology
Learned borrowing from Ancient Greek σύναψις (súnapsis, “conjunction”), from συνάπτω (sunáptō, “to clasp”). Introduced by neurophysiologist Charles Scott Sherrington.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/synapse