neural adj.
connected directly to the nervous system; relating to or designating an interface between an electronic device and the nervous system
Originally used in science fiction, but now in use as an actual scientific term.
Science
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[1949
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Henry Kuttner
bibliography
I expected the laboratory, enormously braced, enmeshed with catwalks and, sparkling far across the room, the bright neural webbing that meant the dangerous man-machine was in the making.]
Time Axis in Startling Stories Jan. 61/2 -
1951
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James H. Schmitz
bibliography
The flat, brown, soft-shelled…bodies of the two Bjantas were being drawn in through one of the Viper’s locks and deposited gently in a preservative tank…. Most of the bunched neural extensions that made them a unit with the mechanisms of their detachable space-shells had been sheared off, of course.
Space Fear in Astounding Science Fiction Mar. 11/1 -
1955
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James H. Schmitz
bibliography
The countless neural extensions that connected it now with the raft came free in a succession of sucking, tearing sounds.
Grandpa in Astounding Science Fiction Feb. 127/2 -
1976
Michael Bishop
bibliography
The ones who have roles always require surgical adaptation, electrode implanting, cybernetic neural grafting.
And Strange at Ecbatan i. x. 61 -
1986
David Brin
Gregory Benford
bibliography
Tapped into channels through a direct neural link and wrist servos, she scarcely moved.
Heart of Comet (1987) i. 10 -
1990
Sheri S. Tepper
bibliography
A neuropad at the top of each leg matched up to a neuropad on the body, and when the animal entered its exoskeleton, it simply reestablished neural contact.
Raising the Stones i. iv. 108 -
1997
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Peter F. Hamilton
bibliography
He ordered his neural nanonics to open a fresh memory cell, and stored the pair of them in a visual file.
Escape Route in Interzone 36/2 -
2015
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Gregory Norman Bossert
bibliography
Crew’s got the sort of money for neural backup?
Twelve & Tag in Asimov’s Science Fiction Mar. 46
Research requirements
antedating 1951
Earliest cite
James H. Schmitz, in Astounding
Last modified 2021-02-08 18:19:53
In the compilation of some
entries, HDSF has drawn extensively on corresponding entries
in OED.