serotonin

American  

[ser-uh-toh-nin, seer-] / ˌsɛr əˈtoʊ nɪn, ˌsɪər- /

noun

Biochemistry.

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

---

serotonin British  

/ 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 Scientific  

/ 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.

---

Etymology

Origin of serotonin

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

Compare meaning

How does serotonin compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• dopamine vs. serotonin

Example Sentences

With antidepressants, people have a physical adaptation to the medication as the serotonin signaling in their body changes.

From The Wall Street Journal

Then you have a decrease in dopamine and serotonin.

From BBC

It tells Viktoria that her suicidal thoughts show she has a "brain malfunction" which means her "dopamine system is almost switched off" and "serotonin receptors are dull".

From BBC

It's usually treated with medications like Zoloft and Paxil that boost and stabilize the neurotransmitter serotonin, leading to reduced anxiety and enhanced emotional well-being.

From Science Daily

Many people have been helped by antidepressants, the most common of which are so-called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, including sertraline, also known as Zoloft, and escitalopram—brand name Lexapro.

From The Wall Street Journal