action potential

noun

: a momentary reversal in electrical potential across a plasma membrane (as of a neuron or muscle fiber) that occurs when a cell has been activated by a stimulus

Examples of action potential in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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By way of explanation, neurons communicate through electrical currents called action potentials, which can be excitatory or inhibitory. New Atlas, 15 Oct. 2024 Excitatory currents prompt one neuron to pass information on to the next through an action potential; inhibitory currents reduce the likelihood that information will be passed on. New Atlas, 15 Oct. 2024 In both brains, neurons fire action potentials, use common neurotransmitters, etc. Tom Hawking, Popular Science, 2 Oct. 2024 That hindered Miami’s play action potential, which led to Gesicki’s snap count being limited. Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 19 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for action potential 

Word History

First Known Use

1913, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of action potential was in 1913

Dictionary Entries Near action potential

Cite this Entry

“Action potential.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/action%20potential. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

action potential

noun
: a momentary reversal in the potential difference across a plasma membrane (as of a nerve cell or muscle fiber) that occurs when a cell has been activated by a stimulus

called also spike potential

compare resting potential see afterpotential, generator potential, prepotential

More from Merriam-Webster on action potential

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