: a soft white material that forms a thick layer around the axons of some neurons and is composed chiefly of lipids (such as cerebroside and cholesterol), water, and smaller amounts of protein
Examples of myelin in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Biotin is thought to play a role in the creation of myelin, the protective layer surrounding nerves in the body.
—
Kirstyn Hill, Pharmd, Mph, Health, 27 Sep. 2024
The particular cells imaged here are precursors to oligodendrocytes, cells that produce myelin in the body, the substance that forms protective sheaths around nerve fibers.
—Michael Franco, New Atlas, 21 Sep. 2024
When myelin is damaged or lost in a process known as demyelination, various symptoms like fatigue, blurry vision, abnormal sensations, and bladder dysfunction can develop.
—Laura Campedelli, Verywell Health, 30 July 2024
The disease affects the central nervous system, attacking the substance that protects nerve fibers (myelin), damaging nerves and disrupting communication between the brain and the body.
—Jessie Opoien, Journal Sentinel, 22 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for myelin 
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.
Kirstyn Hill, Pharmd, Mph, Health, 27 Sep. 2024
The particular cells imaged here are precursors to oligodendrocytes, cells that produce myelin in the body, the substance that forms protective sheaths around nerve fibers.
—Michael Franco, New Atlas, 21 Sep. 2024
When myelin is damaged or lost in a process known as demyelination, various symptoms like fatigue, blurry vision, abnormal sensations, and bladder dysfunction can develop.
—Laura Campedelli, Verywell Health, 30 July 2024
The disease affects the central nervous system, attacking the substance that protects nerve fibers (myelin), damaging nerves and disrupting communication between the brain and the body.
—Jessie Opoien, Journal Sentinel, 22 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for myelin
Dictionary Entries Near myelin
Cite this Entry
“Myelin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/myelin. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
myelin
noun
my·e·lin
ˈmī-ə-lən 
: a soft white material of lipid and protein that is secreted by oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells and forms a thick sheath about axons see myelin sheath
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share