serotonin

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

noun

, Biochemistry.

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

serotonin

/ ˌsɛrəˈtəʊnɪn /

noun

1. 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

/ sĕr′ə-tō′nĭn,sîr′- /

1. 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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of serotonin¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of serotonin¹

from sero- + ton ( ic ) + -in

Example Sentences

Once your serotonin levels are back up to normal, they can make enough melatonin so you can sleep better, says Dr. Rindfleisch.

From The Daily Beast

Spaghetti squash also contains specific nutrients that help convert the tryptophan in other foods you eat into serotonin.

From The Daily Beast

Flooding your brain with dopamine and serotonin, it not only heightens feelings of euphoria, but empathy and love as well.

From The Daily Beast

Besides dopamine, serotonin might play a role, too, researchers say, as well as other brain chemicals and receptors.

From The Daily Beast

Those drugs are SSRIs—serotonin uptake inhibitors—and they spin their mood magic by elevating levels of serotonin in the brain.

From The Daily Beast