neurotransmitter
noun
neu·ro·trans·mit·ter ˌnu̇r-ō-tran(t)s-ˈmi-tər 
-tranz-,
ˌnyu̇r-
: a substance (such as norepinephrine or acetylcholine) that transmits nerve impulses across a synapse
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web The idea that depression and anxiety are caused by a chemical imbalance -- specifically with the brain neurotransmitter serotonin -- may be an oversimplified explanation of a very complex issue. 
Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 7 Sep. 2022 Physical fitness increases your level of serotonin, a feel-good neurotransmitter produced in your brain and gut. Ashley Stahl, Forbes, 16 Aug. 2022 The feeling of accomplishment releases the neurotransmitter dopamine, which boosts our mood, motivation and attention. Niels Martin Brochner, Forbes, 9 Aug. 2022 In addition, research shows that kissing may reduce cortisol, a stress hormone, while amping up the feel-good neurotransmitter dopamine. Nikki Campo, SELF, 8 June 2022 The investigators found that people who had undertaken the harder task had higher concentrations of the neurotransmitter glutamate in the LPFC than those who had performed the easier one. Diana Kwon, Scientific American, 11 Aug. 2022 Neurotransmitter inhibitors, which are less common than signaling and carrier peptides, may decrease the appearance of fine lines by blocking the release of acetylcholine—a neurotransmitter heavily involved in muscle contractions. Sarah Madaus, SELF, 27 July 2022 To understand how neurotensin worked, researchers started tinkering with the neurotransmitter. Jonathan Wosen, STAT, 23 July 2022 Similarly, estrogen increases the release of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that reduces pain. Kirsten Nunez, SELF, 22 June 2022 See More
Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 7 Sep. 2022 Physical fitness increases your level of serotonin, a feel-good neurotransmitter produced in your brain and gut. Ashley Stahl, Forbes, 16 Aug. 2022 The feeling of accomplishment releases the neurotransmitter dopamine, which boosts our mood, motivation and attention. Niels Martin Brochner, Forbes, 9 Aug. 2022 In addition, research shows that kissing may reduce cortisol, a stress hormone, while amping up the feel-good neurotransmitter dopamine. Nikki Campo, SELF, 8 June 2022 The investigators found that people who had undertaken the harder task had higher concentrations of the neurotransmitter glutamate in the LPFC than those who had performed the easier one. Diana Kwon, Scientific American, 11 Aug. 2022 Neurotransmitter inhibitors, which are less common than signaling and carrier peptides, may decrease the appearance of fine lines by blocking the release of acetylcholine—a neurotransmitter heavily involved in muscle contractions. Sarah Madaus, SELF, 27 July 2022 To understand how neurotensin worked, researchers started tinkering with the neurotransmitter. Jonathan Wosen, STAT, 23 July 2022 Similarly, estrogen increases the release of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that reduces pain. Kirsten Nunez, SELF, 22 June 2022 See More Word History
First Known Use
1961, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
neurotransmitter
noun
neu·ro·trans·mit·ter ˌn(y)u̇r-ō-tran(t)s-ˈmit-ər, -tranz-
: a substance (as norepinephrine or acetylcholine) that transmits nerve impulses across a synapse see false neurotransmitter