serotonin

noun

se·​ro·​to·​nin ˌsir-ə-ˈtō-nən 

ˌser-

: a phenolic amine neurotransmitter C₁₀H₁₂N₂O that is a powerful vasoconstrictor and is found especially in the brain, blood serum, and gastric mucous membrane of mammals

Examples of serotonin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Welcome in Nature Spending just 15 minutes outdoors has been scientifically proven to have a significant impact on levels of the stress hormone cortisol, as well as mood-boosting chemicals serotonin and dopamine. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 May 2025

Research shows that massage therapy, in general, decreases levels of cortisol (a stress hormone) and increases serotonin and dopamine (feel-good brain chemicals). —Justin Laube, EverydayHealth.com, 28 Apr. 2025

Mood changes: High protein with insufficient carbohydrates may impact serotonin (a feel-good hormone) levels, affecting mood and energy levels.17 Great Food Sources Protein is found in almost every food (including broccoli), but some foods are better sources than others. —Lauren Panoff, Mph, Rd, Verywell Health, 18 Apr. 2025

There's no surer cure for the blues than a shot of serotonin straight to the heart in the form of one of the best rom-coms of all time. —Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 14 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

sero- + ton(ic) entry 2 or tone entry 1 + -in entry 1, probably after angiotonin, earlier name for angiotensin — more at angiotensin

Note: Term introduced by Maurice M. Rapport, Arda Alden Green and Irvine H. Page in "Crystalline serotonin," Science, vol. 108, Issue 2804 (September 24, 1948), pp. 329-330: "The general behavior of the crystalline substance is suggestive of its homogeneity. We would like provisionally to name it serotonin, which indicates that its source is serum and its activity is one of causing constriction."

First Known Use

1948, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing serotonin

• selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor

Rhymes for serotonin

• calcitonin
• digitonin
• melatonin
• kronen
• onan
• phonon
• ronin
• santonin

Medical Definition

serotonin

noun

se·​ro·​to·​nin ˌsir-ə-ˈtō-nən  ˌser- 

: a phenolic amine neurotransmitter C₁₀H₁₂N₂O that is a powerful vasoconstrictor and is found especially in the brain, blood serum, and gastric mucous membrane of mammals

called also 5-HT, 5-hydroxytryptamine