growth cone

noun

: the specialized motile tip of an axon of a growing or regenerating neuron

Examples of growth cone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Microtubules are in green, growth cones are in red. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 17 Oct. 2023 The tip of the axon, called a growth cone, senses chemicals drifting by. Carl Zimmer, Discover Magazine, 16 May 2011

Word History

First Known Use

1970, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of growth cone was in 1970

Dictionary Entries Near growth cone

Cite this Entry

“Growth cone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/growth%20cone. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

growth cone

noun
: the specialized motile tip of an axon of a growing or regenerating nerve cell

More from Merriam-Webster on growth cone

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!