neural

UK: ˈnjʊərəl | US: ˈnʊrəl

Definition

  1. adj. relating to a nerve or the nervous system

  2. adj. involving or resembling neurons or neural networks

Structure
neur <nerve, from Greek "neuron">al <adjective suffix>
Etymology

The word "neural" derives from the Greek "neuron" (νεῦρον), meaning "nerve" or "sinew." The suffix "-al" (from Latin "-alis") converts the noun into an adjective, indicating a relationship to nerves. The term reflects the scientific focus on the nervous system, evolving from ancient anatomical studies to modern neuroscience and artificial neural networks.

Examples

  1. The neural pathways in the brain facilitate rapid communication.

  2. Damage to neural tissue can impair motor functions.

  3. Researchers are studying neural activity during sleep.

  4. Artificial neural networks mimic biological brain structures.

  5. Her research focuses on neural development in infants.