serotonin

[ser-uh-toh-nin, seer-]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

Biochemistry.

a neurotransmitter, derived from tryptophan, that is involved in sleep, depression, memory, and other neurological processes.

serotonin

/ ˌ��ɛ��əˈ��əʊ��ɪ�� /

noun

a compound that occurs in the brain, intestines, and blood platelets and acts as a neurotransmitter, as well as inducing vasoconstriction and contraction of smooth muscle; 5-hydroxytryptamine (5HT)

serotonin

A monoamine substance that is formed from tryptophan and found in many animal tissues, including the intestine and central nervous system. In the brain, serotonin acts as a neurotransmitter that is involved in the control of pain perception, the sleep-wake cycle, and mood. Serotonin is also produced in some bacteria and plants.

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Word History and Origins

Origin of serotonin¹

First recorded in 1945–50; sero- + tone + -in ²

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Word History and Origins

Origin of serotonin¹

from _sero- + _ton ( _ic ) + _-in

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

"The evidence for the serotonin theory of depression was weak and inconsistent but the general public thought it wasn't just a theory."

From

Coppen was interested in mood disorders and studied the effect of lithium on major depression and bipolar disorder, and the role of serotonin imbalance as a cause of depression.

From

"Your serotonin levels, which is your feel-good hormone, are boosted and so is your oxytocin level, which is your love and bonding hormone," she says.

From

"When you're having a rough time, especially for me personally, it's a big serotonin boost to not only buy a collectable and keep it, but share the experience with other people as well," she adds.

From

HHS is ordered to "assess the prevalence of and threat posed by the prescription of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, stimulants, and weight-loss drugs."

From

serotonergic serotype

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