serotonin

[ ser-uh-toh-nin, seer- ]

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

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Origin of serotonin

1
First recorded in 1945–50; sero- + tone + -in2

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British Dictionary definitions for serotonin

serotonin

/ (ˌsɛrəˈtəʊnɪn) /


noun
  1. 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)

Origin of serotonin

1
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

Scientific definitions for serotonin

serotonin

[ sĕr′ə-tōnĭn, sîr′- ]


  1. 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.

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