monoamine oxidase inhibitor


nounPharmacology.
  1. any of various substances, as isocarboxazid and phenelzine, that block enzymatic breakdown of certain monoamine neurotransmitters: used to treat severe depression. Abbreviation: MAOI

Origin of monoamine oxidase inhibitor

1
First recorded in 1960–65
  • Also called MAO inhibitor.

Words Nearby monoamine oxidase inhibitor

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British Dictionary definitions for monoamine oxidase inhibitor

monoamine oxidase inhibitor

noun
  1. biochem an agent that inhibits the action of monoamine oxidase. Such inhibitors are used in the treatment of depression: Abbreviation: MAOI

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 monoamine oxidase inhibitor

monoamine oxidase inhibitor

  1. Any of a class of antidepressant drugs that block the action of monoamine oxidase in the brain, thereby allowing the accumulation of monoamines such as norepinephrine, which can alter mood.

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