Neural
ˈnʊərəl
Definitions
Relating to the nerves or the nervous system, especially the brain.
ˈnʊərəl
Relating to a nerve or the nervous system.
A neural impulse carries a signal from the brain to the muscles.
💡 Simply: Imagine your brain is like a super-fast computer. 'Neural' describes anything that has to do with how the brain, and the network of nerves, sends and receives messages. Like how you know to pull your hand away from a hot stove - that's a neural signal!
👶 For kids: About the nerves in your body and brain, like the wires that carry messages.
More Examples
Researchers are studying neural activity in patients with Alzheimer's disease.
The new technology utilizes neural networks to improve image recognition.
How It's Used
"Neural pathways transmit signals throughout the brain."
"Neural networks are used in machine learning."
From New Latin *neuralis*, from Ancient Greek *neuron* meaning 'nerve'.
The term gained significant prominence with the rise of neuroscience in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and with the development of artificial intelligence and computing in the later part of the 20th century.
Memory tip
Think 'neuron' and 'neural pathway': related to how our body communicates.