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neu·ron

(nrŏn′, nyr-)

1. Any of the impulse-conducting cells that constitute the brain, spinal column, and nerves in vertebrates, consisting of a nucleated cell body with one or more dendrites and a single axon.

2. A similar impulse-conducting cell in invertebrates.In both senses also callednerve cell.

[Greek, sinew, string, nerve; see (s)neəu- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.]

neuro·nal(nrə-nəl, nyr-, n-rōnl, ny-), neu·ronicadj.

neuro·nal·lyadv.

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neuron

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:

Indo-European Roots

Semitic Roots

The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.

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