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

Tryptophan is an amino acid needed to make melatonin and serotonin, which control sleep. —Johna Burdeos, Health, 8 Apr. 2025

Similarly, cortisol and serotonin levels are lowered — which can respectively result in lower stress and greater levels of obsession. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025

Little Kitty, Big City Any subscription service needs to feature a few jolts of serotonin that are quick to download and easy to please, and right now, the reigning champion in the field is undoubtedly Little Kitty, Big City. —Luke Winkie, Vulture, 1 Apr. 2025

People who regularly ate citrus were shown to have beneficial gut bacteria that may boost the production of serotonin and dopamine. —Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 28 Feb. 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