dopamine

American  

[doh-puh-meen] / ˈdoʊ pəˌmin /

noun

• dopamines
  plural

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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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• dopamines
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of dopamine

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

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Compare meaning

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

• dopamine vs. serotonin

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

dopamine dopamines

We want instant gratification, whether it’s a boost of dopamine from checking ETFs, or a sugar rush from eating candy.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 9, 2026

Carbidopa-levodopa is a combination drug commonly used to boost dopamine levels in Parkinson's patients.

From BBC ● Oct. 1, 2026

Episodes are chopped up into two-minute dopamine hits, with endless cliff-hangers and plot twists to keep viewers tuned in.

From Slate ● Sep. 28, 2026

Lower marker levels suggest a reduced density of dopamine nerve terminals.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 22, 2026

“They’re so amped up on dopamine that when it’s not firing, they feel dull, dead,” he says.

From "A Deadly Wandering: A Mystery, a Landmark Investigation, and the Astonishing Science of Attention in the Digital Age" by Matt Richtel

She likes babies: the thought of them fills her with dopamines and endorphins; and the inveterate shopper that she is, buying for them couldn't make her much higher.

From Tokyo to Tijuana: Gabriele Departing America by Steven (Steven David Justin) Sills

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