ganglion

noun

gan·​gli·​on ˈgaŋ-glē-ən How to pronounce ganglion (audio)
plural ganglia ˈgaŋ-glē-ə How to pronounce ganglion (audio) also ganglions
1
: a small cystic tumor connected either with a joint membrane or tendon sheath
2
a
: a mass of nerve tissue containing cell bodies of neurons external to the brain or spinal cord
also : nucleus sense 2b
b
: something likened to a nerve ganglion
a ganglion of cables and wires
ganglionated
ˈgaŋ-glē-ə-ˌnā-təd How to pronounce ganglion (audio)
adjective
ganglionic
ˌgaŋ-glē-ˈä-nik How to pronounce ganglion (audio)
adjective

Examples of ganglion 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.
There aren't any nerves, there's no nervous system to hook them up to, and there isn't even a brain or a ganglion. — New Atlas, 3 Oct. 2025 Our bodies could then invest the surplus energy this saved into ganglia rather than guts, into frontal lobes instead of food. — Big Think, 22 Apr. 2026 Nerve blocks, which pinpoint groups of nerves (a plexus or ganglion), can be administered to block pain receptors and reset function. — Dr. Patricia Richard, Hartford Courant, 14 Apr. 2026 The ventral ganglion is a collection of nerves found on an arrow worm’s belly and is a biological feature unique only to them. — Stephanie Edwards, Discover Magazine, 25 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for ganglion

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin, borrowed from Greek ganglíon "tumor on a tendon, mass of nerve tissue (thought to resemble such tumors)," of obscure origin

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ganglion was in 1597

Phrases Containing ganglion

Rhymes for ganglion

See All Rhymes for ganglion

Browse Nearby Words

gangling
ganglion
ganglionary
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ganglion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ganglion. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

ganglion

noun
gan·​gli·​on ˈgaŋ-glē-ən How to pronounce ganglion (audio)
plural ganglia -glē-ə How to pronounce ganglion (audio) also ganglions
: a mass of nerve tissue lying outside the brain or spinal cord and containing neurons
also : nucleus sense c
ganglionic
ˌgaŋ-glē-ˈän-ik How to pronounce ganglion (audio)
adjective

Medical Definition

ganglion

noun
gan·​gli·​on ˈgaŋ-glē-ən How to pronounce ganglion (audio)
plural ganglia -glē-ə How to pronounce ganglion (audio) also ganglions
1
: a small cystic tumor (as on the back of the wrist) containing viscid fluid and connected either with a joint membrane or tendon sheath
2
a
: a mass of nerve tissue containing cell bodies of neurons that is located outside the central nervous system and forms an enlargement upon a nerve or upon two or more nerves at their point of junction or separation
b
: a mass of gray matter within the brain or spinal cord : nucleus sense 2 see basal ganglion

More from Merriam-Webster on ganglion

Nglish: Translation of ganglion for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ganglion

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