phenylethylamine

British

/ ˌfiːnaɪlˌɛθɪlˌəˈmiːn, ˌfɛnɪl- /

noun

an amine that occurs naturally as a neurotransmitter in the brain, has properties similar to those of amphetamine, is an antidepressant, and is found in chocolate. Formula: C 8 H 11 N

"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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"It also contains phenylethylamine, which can act as a mood elevator."

From Salon

"Cheese also contains an amino acid called phenylethylamine that can cause euphoric effects," notes KamTalebi, CEO of The Butcher's Tale restaurant in Minneapolis.

From Salon

A leading scientist affiliated with the Mars candy company, Dr. Catherine Kwik-Uribe, told the publication the compounds anandamide and phenylethylamine exist in amounts too small in cacao to directly influence mood.

From US News

Take chocolate: There is some science behind the treat’s seductive powers, in that cocoa boosts serotonin levels and contains phenylethylamine, both of which are associated with arousal and stimulation.

From Time

Scientific research on this delicious treat shows it contains phenylethylamine, a feel-good chemical which occurs naturally in the body when someone is happy or feeling passionate.

From US News

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023