What does synapse mean?
A synapse is a specialized point of communication between nerve cells, most often a neuron and another neuron, but sometimes also a muscle or gland cell. At a typical chemical synapse, one cell releases neurotransmitters into a tiny gap called the synaptic cleft; these chemicals bind to receptors on the neighboring cell and may trigger a new signal. Synapses are therefore central to how the nervous system receives, processes, and transmits information. They also vary in strength and can change with use, a property known as synaptic plasticity, which helps explain learning and memory. In broader contexts, “synapse” can figuratively describe a point at which different people, organizations, or ideas make contact and exchange information. The word is widely understood in scientific and general usage, though it remains more technical than expressions such as “connection” or “point of contact.”
nounA synapse is the specialized junction between two neurons, or between a neuron and an effector cell, across which signals are transmitted. The term can also refer more broadly to a site of communication or connection.
- The specialized junction between two neurons, or between a neuron and an effector cell, across which signals are transmitted.
- A broader point of communication, interaction, or connection between people, groups, or systems.
"The neurotransmitter crossed the synapse and continued the signal toward the brain."
"Each chemical synapse uses neurotransmitters to pass a signal from one neuron to another."
"The new policy created a synapse between departments that had rarely communicated directly."
The standard plural of synapse is synapses, with the final -e retained.
"Forming new synapses can strengthen the neural pathways involved in learning."
At a synapse, one neuron passes a message across a microscopic gap to the next cell.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does synapse come from?
The word comes from Greek σύναψις (synapsis), meaning “connection,” “joining,” or “junction,” and entered English in the nineteenth century for anatomical and physiological connections between nerve cells. Its form combines the sense of being together with a term associated with fastening or joining. Related forms include English “synapsis,” “synaptic,” and “synaptogenesis,” while “apse,” “apsis,” and “apsidal” preserve the shared Greek root associated with joining or fastening.
Related word forms
How synapse is actually used
The word is most common in neuroscience, biology, and discussions of neural communication. Its figurative use is established but less frequent and generally refers to a point of contact or exchange between entities.
Easily confused with synapse
A synapse is a junction through which neurons communicate, whereas synapsis means a joining or pairing, especially the pairing of chromosomes during cell division.