Neural Definition, Examples, and Usage Guide

Meaning 1：nerve-related (neural)

neural 🔊

/ˈnjʊərəl/

adj.

Relating to nerves or the nervous system.

Neural network of neurons with glowing electrical signals in brain

nerve-related 🔊

➕

/nɜːrv rɪˈleɪtɪd/

adj.

Pertaining to the nerves, the nervous system, or the transmission of signals in the body and brain.

📁 Category：Physical & Mental Health 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Greek 'neuron' (nerve) + suffix '-al' (relating to).

💡 Mnemonic

Think of a 'neuron' (nerve cell) + 'al' = anything related to that tiny electric messenger.

📖 Example

Learning to play the piano strengthens the neural connections in your brain. 🔊 Learning to play the piano strengthens the neural connections in your brain.

🔗 Collocations

neural network – a network of nerve cells or a computer model inspired by biological neurons

neural activity – electrical and chemical signals in the nervous system

neural pathway – a route along which nerve impulses travel

🔄 Synonyms

nervous (adj.) – relating to the nerves; often used interchangeably with 'neural' in biological contexts

neuronal (adj.) – specifically related to neurons, the basic cells of the nervous system

neurological (adj.) – pertaining to the study of the nervous system and its disorders

🚫 Antonyms

non-neural (adj.) – not related to nerves or the nervous system

muscular (adj.) – relating to muscles, a different tissue system

🌱 Derivatives

neuron (n.) – a nerve cell that transmits electrical and chemical signals

neuralgia (n.) – pain along the course of a nerve

neuralize (v.) – to develop or form neural tissue

📖 Cultural Story

Neural derives from the Greek word 'neuron' for nerve. It entered English in the 19th century as neuroscience advanced, especially with the study of neural networks in the brain.