synaptic

From New Latin synapticus, from Ancient Greek συναπτικός (sunaptikós, “capable of adjusting”).

• IPA^(key): /sɪˈnæp.tɪk/

• Audio (Southern England):

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• Rhymes: -æptɪk

synaptic (not comparable)

1. (physiology) Of or relating to a synapse—the junction between the terminal of a neuron and another cell.
   • 2020, Avni Doshi, Burnt Sugar, Hamish Hamilton, page 6:

     With a pencil, he highlights areas where synaptic function is declining, where the neurons are dying.

2. (cytology) Of or relating to a synapsis—the association of homologous maternal and paternal chromosomes during the initial part of meiosis.
   • 1913, Frederick McAllister, On the cytology and embryology of Smilacina racemosa:

     By far the greater proportion of cytologists however are of the opinion that the synaptic contraction is a normal stage in the heterotypic prophases.

• “synaptic”, in OneLook Dictionary Search.