Axones

/ˈæksəˌniːz/ noun

Definition

Another spelling (chiefly British) for axons, which are the long extensions of nerve cells that carry electrical signals to other cells.

Etymology

From Greek 'axon' meaning 'axis' or 'axle,' referring to the central rod-like part of a nerve fiber. The plural form varies between 'axons' and 'axones' depending on linguistic tradition.

Kelly Says

The Greek scientists who named this structure imagined it as an axle around which neural signals rotate—it's a metaphor that's stuck around for over a century because it's so visually accurate.

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