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.
Words nearby serotonin
serotherapy,
serotinal,
serotine,
serotinous,
serotonergic,
serotonin,
serotype,
serous,
serous cell,
serous cyst,
serous fluid
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
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
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.