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

Etymology

Origin of dopamine

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

Compare meaning

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

• dopamine vs. serotonin

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

dopamine dopamines

"This unpredictability triggers the dopamine system, creating a compulsive cycle of seeking and anticipation," University of Leicester lecturer Quynh Hoang wrote.

From Barron's ● Sep. 9, 2026

The cost of phone fatigue was not worth the short-term dopamine hit of my bird congratulating me on taking three deep breaths today.

From Slate ● Sep. 6, 2026

In young mice exposed to stress, the researchers found elevated levels of an enzyme called SETD7 in dopamine neurons compared with mice raised under typical conditions.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 26, 2026

I had gravitated to the color like a moth to light, seeking the dopamine hit of its glow, as if by osmosis I could absorb and become it.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 14, 2026

Studies have shown that the pupils of people who are attracted to each other dilate from the presence of dopamine.

From "The Sun Is Also a Star" by Nicola Yoon

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