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dopamine

[ doh-puh-meen ]
/ ˈdoʊ pəˌmin /
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noun
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.Compare dopa.
Pharmacology. a dopamine preparation used to increase the force of contraction of the heart in the treatment of shock.

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Compare levodopa.

Origin of dopamine

First recorded in 1955–60; see origin at dopa, amine

Words nearby dopamine

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use dopamine in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for dopamine

dopamine
/ (ˈdɒpəmɪn) /

noun
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

Word Origin for dopamine

from d (ihydr) o (xy) p (henylethyl) amine
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for dopamine

dopamine
[ dōpə-mēn′ ]

A monoamine neurotransmitter that is formed during the synthesis of norepinephrine and is essential to the normal functioning of the central nervous system. A reduction of dopamine in the brain is associated with the development of Parkinson's disease. Chemical formula: C8H11NO2.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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