noun
neuron
NOOR-ahn/ˈnʊrɑːn/
A nerve cell that transmits electrical and chemical signals.
A neuron carries signals that help your body respond to touch.
Etymology
The Greek word could name a sinew, cord, or nerve. In the modern biological term, that broad anatomical word was specialized to an individual nerve cell with its appendages.
In context
there's a sensory neuron coming in with its cell body in the dorsal root ganglion
More examples
- Neurons communicate with other cells by releasing chemical messengers.
- A motor neuron sends signals to a muscle.
- Researchers measure electrical activity in individual neurons.
Forms
neuron · neurons
neuronal adjective — Relating to nerve cells and their activity.
Similar words
- nerve cell
- Names the same cell in less technical language.