dopamine

noun

do·​pa·​mine ˈdō-pə-ˌmēn 

: a monoamine C₈H₁₁NO₂ that is a decarboxylated form of dopa and that occurs especially as a neurotransmitter in the brain

Examples of dopamine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In addition to dopamine’s role, the researchers also identified acetylcholine as another important chemical messenger in the process. —Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 27 Mar. 2025

The pairing of dopamine and acetylcholine is the crux of the study. —Elana Spivack, Popular Science, 19 Mar. 2025

One theory is that changes in a person's gut microbiome (a collection of microorganisms that live in the gut) can affect serotonin, dopamine, and other chemical messengers in the brain known as neurotransmitters. —Gaylyn Henderson, Mph, Health, 17 Mar. 2025

Levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that helps control movement, coordination, and muscle control, are reduced in Parkinson’s disease (PD). —New Atlas, 16 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

dopa + amine

First Known Use

1959, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for dopamine

• acrolein
• adenine
• alkylene
• aniline
• anthracene
• aquiline
• asphaltene
• atlantean
• atrazine
• butadiene
• butylene
• caesarean

Medical Definition

dopamine

noun

do·​pa·​mine ˈdō-pə-ˌmēn 

: a monoamine C₈H₁₁NO₂ that is a decarboxylated form of dopa and occurs especially as a neurotransmitter in the brain and as an intermediate in the biosynthesis of epinephrine see intropin