Neurotransmitter

/ˌnjʊɹ.oʊˈtɹæns.mɪt.ɚ/ noun

Definition

A chemical messenger released from a neuron's terminal that crosses the synaptic gap to stimulate or inhibit the next neuron.

Etymology

From Greek 'neuron' (nerve) + Latin 'transmittere' (to send across). Literally 'nerve-sender-across.'

Kelly Says

Neurotransmitters are the brain's text messages — chemical signals that zip across the gap between neurons to deliver instructions: 'fire!' or 'chill out!'

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