dopamine

[ doh-puh-meen ]
/ ˈdoʊ pəˌmin /

noun

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

Origin of dopamine

First recorded in 1955–60; see origin at dopa, amine

Words nearby dopamine

doover, doozie, doozy, dop, dopa, dopamine, dopaminergic, dopant, dopatta, dope, dope addict

Example sentences from the Web for dopamine

British Dictionary definitions for dopamine

dopamine
/ (ˈdɒpəmɪn) /

noun

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 Origin for dopamine

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

Medical definitions for dopamine

dopamine
[ dō′pə-mēn′ ]

n.

A monoamine neurotransmitter formed in the brain by the decarboxylation of dopa and essential to the normal functioning of the central nervous system. A reduction in its concentration within the brain is associated with Parkinson's disease. 3-hydroxytyramine

Scientific definitions for dopamine

dopamine
[ dō′pə-mēn′ ]

A monoamine neurotransmitter that is formed during the synthesis of norepinephrine and is essential to the normal functioning of the central nervous system. A reduction of dopamine in the brain is associated with the development of Parkinson's disease. Chemical formula: C8H11NO2.