Neuron
NOOR-on
/ˈnjʊərɒn/
A specialized cell transmitting nerve impulses; a nerve cell.
The fundamental unit of the nervous system, responsible for transmitting electrical and chemical signals.
The story behind the word. The word 'neuron' comes directly from the Greek word 'neuron,' which originally meant 'sinew' or 'cord.' Over time, its meaning shifted to specifically refer to a 'nerve.' It was adopted into scientific English in the late 19th century to describe the basic unit of the nervous system.
Word relationships
- nerve cell: A more common, less technical term for neuron.
Word family
- neural (adjective): Relating to a nerve or the nervous system.
Collocations
- motor neuron
- sensory neuron
- interneuron
- fire a neuron
- neural network
Example sentences
- "Each neuron in the human brain can form thousands of connections with other neurons, creating an incredibly complex network." Basic biology explanation
- "Researchers are studying how individual neurons fire in response to different sensory stimuli to understand perception." Scientific research
Memory hook
Think of a 'NEW-RUN' as a new path for a signal, just like a neuron creates new pathways. New Run for signals
When not to use
Avoid using 'neuron' informally when 'nerve cell' or simply 'cell' would suffice in non-scientific contexts.
Fun facts
- The human brain contains approximately 86 billion neurons.
- Neurons can vary greatly in size and shape, from tiny interneurons to motor neurons that can be over a meter long.
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