"chemical substance which transmits an impulse from one nerve fiber to another or others," 1959, from neuro- + transmitter.
Entries linking to neurotransmitter
neuro-
before vowels neur-, word-forming element meaning "pertaining to a nerve or nerves or the nervous system," from Greek neura "nerve" (Galen), originally "sinew, bowstring," also neuron "sinew, string (of a bow or musical instrument); cord; penis;" in plural "strength, vigor," from PIE *(s)neuro- "tendon, sinew" (see nerve (n.)). In Greek, puppets were neurospastos, literally "drawn by strings."
transmitter n.
1727, "one who transmits," agent noun from transmit. In telegraphy from 1844. The meaning "apparatus for transmitting radio signals" is from 1934.