dopamine

[ doh-puh-meen ]

noun

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. Compare dopa.
2. Pharmacology. a dopamine preparation used to increase the force of contraction of the heart in the treatment of shock.

dopamine

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of dopamine¹

First recorded in 1955–60; dopa, amine

Word History and Origins

Origin of dopamine¹

from d ( ihydr ) o ( xy ) p ( henylethyl ) amine

Example Sentences

Dancing 12 hours a day, half-naked in front of a crew was unexpectedly a “dopamine hit” for him.

From Los Angeles Times

In a follow-up experiment, the researchers implanted tiny sensors in the animals' brains and measured heightened dopamine release, accompanied by activity in neurons that over-represented opioid-related cues, in the rats exhibiting strong addiction-like behaviors.

From Science Daily

And then, once the threat is dealt with, your body releases the neurotransmitter dopamine, which provides sensations of pleasure and relief.

From Salon

There are brain pathways for copying and following others — in the cortex, dopamine system, and pain centers, to motivate conformity and violence.

From Salon

My-favorite-part-ism prevailed as we shuffled out of the theater, into the next week, and back again for second viewing, awash in a collective dopamine glow.

From Salon