The theory (now universally accepted) that the nervous system is composed of individual, structurally similar but discrete cells (as opposed to a syncytial network).
Origin
Late 19th century; earliest use found in Science.
Definition of neuron theory in US English:
neuron theory
noun
historical
The theory (now universally accepted) that the nervous system is composed of individual, structurally similar but discrete cells (as opposed to a syncytial network).