What does neuron mean?
A neuron is one of the specialized cells that make up the nervous system. It receives information from neighboring cells or sensory receptors, processes that information, and communicates it onward through electrical impulses and chemical signals. Neurons may be described as sensory, motor, or interneurons according to their functions or connections. Their work underlies perception, thought, movement, memory, and the body's automatic responses. The word is especially common in biology, medicine, neuroscience, and psychology. Although "neuron" is the usual form in American English, "neurone" is also established, particularly in British scientific and medical writing. Because a neuron's signaling depends on precise coordination among cells, damage to neurons can have serious effects on movement, sensation, cognition, or other bodily functions.
nounA neuron is a specialized cell that transmits information through electrical and chemical signals within the nervous system. Neurons receive signals from other neurons or from sensory receptors and pass them to other neurons, muscles, or glands.
- A specialized cell that receives, processes, and transmits information as electrical and chemical signals in the nervous system.
"The scientist used a fluorescent stain to trace the connections between individual neurons."
"Damage to the motor neurons can prevent muscles from receiving signals from the nervous system."
"The study examines how neurons in the hippocampus encode and retrieve memories."
The standard plural is "neurons"; "neurones" is also used in British English.
"The brain contains billions of neurons connected in complex networks."
A neuron can be thought of as a tiny biological cable, carrying coded signals across the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does neuron come from?
The word comes from Greek neuron, meaning "nerve" or "sinew," a term associated with the nerves and the threads or fibers observed in plant and animal tissues. The modern scientific use developed through nineteenth-century anatomy and physiology as the identity of the nerve cell became established. Related English words such as "neural," "neurology," and "neurotransmitter" share the same Greek root and refer broadly to nerves, the nervous system, or nervous-system signaling.
Related word forms
How neuron is actually used
The term is formal and scientific. In British usage, "neurone" is the traditional spelling, although "neuron" is also widely accepted; American usage strongly favors "neuron."