serotonin

[ ser-uh-toh-nin, seer- ]
/ ˌsɛr əˈtoʊ nɪn, ˌsɪər- /

noun Biochemistry.

a neurotransmitter, derived from tryptophan, that is involved in sleep, depression, memory, and other neurological processes.

QUIZZES

DON’T VACILLATE! VANQUISH THIS WORD OF THE DAY QUIZ!

It’d be a real faux pas to miss this quiz on the words from August 3–9, 2020!
Question 1 of 7
What does “vacillate” mean?
to waver in mind or opinion; be indecisive or irresolute.
to cause to be empty or unoccupied.
to assent tacitly; agree; consent.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of serotonin

First recorded in 1945–50; sero- + tone + -in2

Words nearby serotonin

serotherapy, serotinal, serotine, serotinous, serotonergic, serotonin, serotype, serous, serous cell, serous cyst, serous fluid
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Example sentences from the Web for serotonin

British Dictionary definitions for serotonin

serotonin
/ (ˌsɛrəˈtəʊnɪn) /

noun

a compound that occurs in the brain, intestines, and blood platelets and acts as a neurotransmitter, as well as inducing vasoconstriction and contraction of smooth muscle; 5-hydroxytryptamine (5HT)

Word Origin for serotonin

from sero- + ton (ic) + -in
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

Medical definitions for serotonin

serotonin
[ sĕr′ə-tō′nĭn, sîr′- ]

n.

An organic compound formed from tryptophan and found in animal and human tissue, especially the brain, blood serum, and gastric mucous membranes, and active in vasoconstriction, stimulation of the smooth muscles, transmission of impulses between nerve cells, and regulation of cyclic body processes.5-hydroxytryptamine
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.

Scientific definitions for serotonin

serotonin
[ sĕr′ə-tō′nĭn, sîr′- ]

A monoamine substance that is formed from tryptophan and found in many animal tissues, including the intestine and central nervous system. In the brain, serotonin acts as a neurotransmitter that is involved in the control of pain perception, the sleep-wake cycle, and mood. Serotonin is also produced in some bacteria and plants.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.