PsychologyJuly 13, 2026
neurotransmitter
/ˌnjʊəroʊˈtrænzmɪtər/
Definition
A chemical messenger in the brain that transmits signals across a synapse from one neuron to another, specifically influencing excitatory or inhibitory brain activity.
Etymology
The word combines the Greek 'neuron' (nerve) with the Latin 'transmittere' (to send across). It emerged in the 20th century to describe the specific biochemical agents that bridge the gap between neurons.
In the news
The article identifies glutamate as the primary excitatory neurotransmitter, explaining how LSD alters its function to change the balance of excitation and inhibition across brain regions.
How LSD reshapes brain circuitry to blur the lines between perception and thought
Read the full article ↗PsyPost