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Synapse: meaning, definitions and examples

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synapse

 

[ หˆsษชnรฆps ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

neuroscience

A synapse is the junction between two neurons, where signals are transmitted from one neuron to another. It plays a critical role in the transmission of nerve impulses, allowing for communication within the nervous system.

Synonyms

connection, interface, junction.

Examples of usage

  • The synapse facilitates the flow of information between nerve cells.
  • Dopamine release occurs at the synapse during reward signaling.
  • Changes in synapse strength are thought to underlie learning and memory.
Context #2 | Noun

biology

In a broader biological context, a synapse can refer to any junction between two cells, not just neurons. This includes synapses between immune cells or between muscle cells and nerve endings.

Synonyms

connection, junction, link.

Examples of usage

  • The immune synapse is crucial for T-cell activation.
  • Chemical signaling at the muscle synapse enables movement.
  • Synapse formation is essential for tissue regeneration.

Translations

Translations of the word "synapse" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น sinapse

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคธเคฟเคจเฅˆเคชเฅเคธ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Synapse

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ sinaps

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ัะธะฝะฐะฟั

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ synaps

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚ทใƒŠใƒ—ใ‚น

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท synapse

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ sinapsis

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท sinaps

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์‹œ๋ƒ…์Šค

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุชุดุงุจูƒ ุนุตุจูŠ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ synapse

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ synapsa

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ็ช่งฆ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ sinapsa

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ sรญnapsi

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ัะธะฝะฐะฟั

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒกแƒ˜แƒœแƒแƒคแƒกแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ sinaps

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ sinapsis

Etymology

The term 'synapse' was coined in the late 19th century, derived from the Greek word 'synapsis', which means 'connection' or 'junction.' The prefix 'syn-' means 'together' and 'haptein' means 'to fasten'. This term was introduced into the scientific community by the British physiologist Charles Sherrington in 1897, as he recognized the importance of these connections in the functioning of the nervous system. Sherrington's work on reflexes and neural pathways laid the foundation for our understanding of synaptic transmission and plasticity. Over the years, the study of synapses has evolved, leading to significant advancements in neuroscience, particularly in understanding how synaptic connections enable learning, memory, and the overall function of the brain.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,946, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.