Axodendrite

/ˌæk.soʊˈden.draɪt/ noun

Definition

A type of nerve cell connection where an axon (nerve fiber) meets another axon instead of a dendrite (branching fiber).

Etymology

From Greek 'axon' (axis/axle) + 'dendrite' (from Greek 'dendron' meaning 'tree'). In neurobiology, these terms describe the tree-like branching patterns of nerve fibers.

Kelly Says

When neuroscientists first mapped nerve connections under microscopes, they noticed that not all nerve terminals follow the standard axon-to-dendrite pathway—finding axodendrites revealed the brain's wiring is far more complex and flexible than anyone expected.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.