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

As the acetone evaporates mid-air, the dopamine speeds up the substance's solidifying process, creating sticky, strong, spun fibers by pulling water away from the silk—something that would usually take hours. —Sophie Charara, WIRED, 24 Jan. 2025

Bouncing between tasks and chasing dopamine hits is wasting your potential and keeping your business small. —Jodie Cook, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025

These abnormal build-ups disrupt the function of brain cells, and lead to the degeneration and ultimately death of the neurons that produce the neurotransmitter dopamine, which is involved in movement, memory and motivation. —Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 17 Jan. 2025

You're not doomed to forever chase shallow dopamine hits from your devices. —Jodie Cook, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

dopa + amine

First Known Use

1959, in the meaning defined above

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