serotonin

noun

se·​ro·​to·​nin ˌsir-ə-ˈtō-nən How to pronounce serotonin (audio)
ˌser-
: a phenolic amine neurotransmitter C10H12N2O that is a powerful vasoconstrictor and is found especially in the brain, blood serum, and gastric mucous membrane of mammals

Examples of serotonin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Exercise releases the mood regulators dopamine and serotonin, Ulrick Vieux, DO, a sports psychiatrist at Hackensack University Medical Center, told Health. —Sherri Gordon, Health, 15 May 2024 The deep pressure also stimulates the release of serotonin—a chemical that regulates mood and stress. —Lindsay Modglin, Verywell Health, 13 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for serotonin 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'serotonin.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

sero- + ton(ic) entry 2 or tone entry 1 + -in entry 1, probably after angiotonin, earlier name for angiotensin — more at angiotensin

Note: Term introduced by Maurice M. Rapport, Arda Alden Green and Irvine H. Page in "Crystalline serotonin," Science, vol. 108, Issue 2804 (September 24, 1948), pp. 329-330: "The general behavior of the crystalline substance is suggestive of its homogeneity. We would like provisionally to name it serotonin, which indicates that its source is serum and its activity is one of causing constriction."

First Known Use

1948, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of serotonin was in 1948

Phrases Containing serotonin

Dictionary Entries Near serotonin

serotonergic

serotonin

serotype

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Serotonin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/serotonin. Accessed 29 May. 2024.

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Medical Definition

serotonin

noun
se·​ro·​to·​nin ˌsir-ə-ˈtō-nən How to pronounce serotonin (audio) ˌser- How to pronounce serotonin (audio)
: a phenolic amine neurotransmitter C10H12N2O that is a powerful vasoconstrictor and is found especially in the brain, blood serum, and gastric mucous membrane of mammals

called also 5-HT, 5-hydroxytryptamine

More from Merriam-Webster on serotonin

Nglish: Translation of serotonin for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of serotonin for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about serotonin

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