synaptic

adj

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

1. Of or relating to a synapse—the junction between the terminal of a neuron and another cell.

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

2. Of or relating to a synapsis—the association of homologous maternal and paternal chromosomes during the initial part of meiosis.

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