dendrite

noun

den·​drite ˈden-ˌdrīt How to pronounce dendrite (audio)
1
: a branching treelike figure produced on or in a mineral by a foreign mineral
also : the mineral so marked
2
: a crystallized arborescent form
3
: any of the usually branching protoplasmic processes that conduct impulses toward the body of a neuron see neuron illustration

Examples of dendrite in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The signals are then received by intricate, branched filaments called dendrites and the junctions at which these structures connect are called synapses. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 17 Apr. 2025 Individual neurons have branching extensions known as dendrites that can receive thousands of electrical inputs from other cells. Takaki Komiyama, The Conversation, 17 Apr. 2025 Scientists have long known those signals move from one neuron along fibers called axons and dendrites, using synapses to jump to the next neuron. CBS News, 9 Apr. 2025 This results in dendrites, which may lead to battery short circuits. New Atlas, 2 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dendrite

Word History

First Known Use

1751, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dendrite was in 1751

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Cite this Entry

“Dendrite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dendrite. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

dendrite

noun
den·​drite ˈden-ˌdrīt How to pronounce dendrite (audio)
1
: a branching figure (as in a mineral or stone) resembling a tree
2
: any of the usually branching extensions of a neuron over which impulses travel toward the cell body compare axon
dendritic
den-ˈdrit-ik
adjective

Medical Definition

dendrite

noun
den·​drite ˈden-ˌdrīt How to pronounce dendrite (audio)
: any of the usually branching protoplasmic processes that conduct impulses toward the body of a nerve cell
dendritic adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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