warrior gene

[ wawr-ee-er jeen, wawr-yer, wor-ee-er, wor-yer ]
/ ˈwɔr i ər ˌdʒin, ˈwɔr yər, ˈwɒr i ər, ˈwɒr yər /

noun Biochemistry. Informal.

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.

Origin of warrior gene

First recorded in 2000–05