noun
axon
AK-son
Axon (noun) means the long, thin part of a nerve cell that carries nerve impulses away from the cell body. Example: “Each neuron has a single axon that can stretch a long way from the cell body.”
noun
1
technical The long, thin part of a nerve cell that carries nerve impulses away from the cell body.
"Each neuron has a single axon that can stretch a long way from the cell body."
"The signal travels along the axon until it reaches a synapse."
"Damage to an axon can interrupt messages between nerves."
How to use axon
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe long fibre of a nerve cell that carries signals away from the cell.
When to use it
It is a technical term, used mainly in biology and medicine.
Common pairings
axon terminal
damaged axon
long axon
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Each neuron has a single _____ that can stretch a long way from the cell body.
Etymology
English took the word from Ancient Greek, where it meant axis. It is distantly related to English axle and axis.
Synonyms
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axone
Rhymes for axon
See all rhymes for axon →Frequently asked questions
What is an axon?
An axon is the long, slender fibre of a nerve cell. It carries nerve impulses away from the cell body.
Where does an axon send signals?
An axon carries signals out from the cell body and passes them on at a synapse, where the next cell picks them up.
Where does the word axon come from?
It comes from an Ancient Greek word meaning axis.
What is the meaning of axon?
"axon" (noun) means the long, thin part of a nerve cell that carries nerve impulses away from the cell body.
