dopamine

American  

[doh-puh-meen] / ˈdoʊ pəˌmin /

noun

1. Biochemistry. a catecholamine neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, retina, and sympathetic ganglia, acting within the brain to help regulate movement and emotion: its depletion may cause Parkinson's disease.

2. Pharmacology. a dopamine preparation used to increase the force of contraction of the heart in the treatment of shock.

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dopamine British  

/ ˈdɒpəmɪn /

noun

1. a chemical found in the brain that acts as a neurotransmitter and is an intermediate compound in the synthesis of noradrenaline. Formula: (HO) 2 C 6 H 3 (CH 2 ) 2 NH 2

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Etymology

Origin of dopamine

First recorded in 1955–60; dopa, amine

Compare meaning

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

• dopamine vs. serotonin

Example Sentences

A central feature of Parkinson's disease is a drop in dopamine levels in the brain.

From Science Daily

Both prenatal alcohol exposure and prenatal stress altered the dopamine system in the adult offspring.

From Science Daily

But it does produce more dopamine, the chemical associated with pleasure.

From The Wall Street Journal

Ms Morris said there was a lot of habitual technology-use and perseverance with a book might not have the same dopamine hit, but she added: "The paper book will always have its place."

From BBC

In either case, regions of the brain that light up when you get a reward jittered with dopamine.

From Los Angeles Times