ScienceJuly 8, 2026

neurotechnology

/ˌnʊəroʊtekˈnɒlədʒi/

Definition

The field of science and engineering focused on developing tools and systems that interact directly with the human nervous system to monitor, enhance, or repair brain function.

Etymology

The word is a hybrid construction combining the Greek 'neuron' (nerve) with 'technology,' which derives from the Greek 'tekhnē' (craft or art) and 'logia' (study of). It entered the modern lexicon to describe the intersection of advanced engineering and neuroscience.

In the news

The article uses the term to describe research into brain-computer interfaces and related fields, highlighting both the potential improvements to human life and the ethical risks involved.

Jesse Thaler named director of the Laboratory for Nuclear Science

Read the full article ↗

MIT News

Related words

Learn a word like this every day

Meet one new word every morning.

Newspoken pulls one carefully chosen word from the day’s news — with a clear definition, context, and light review that makes it stick. Get it on your phone.

Not for marketing. One email on launch day.