warrior gene

[ wawr-ee-er jeen, wawr-yer, wor-ee-er, wor-yer ]

noun

, Biochemistry.

1. a type A monoamine oxidase (MAOA) gene, in which the normal breakdown of the neurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine is impaired, resulting in elevated levels of these brain chemicals, which have been linked to correspondingly elevated levels of aggressive behavior.

Word History and Origins

Origin of warrior gene¹

First recorded in 2000–05