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

This randomness — and the addictive dopamine rush of opening a Sonny Angel — is tailor-made for TikTok and Instagram. —Alex Abad-Santos, Vox, 8 July 2024

Each time the child figures out a new rule, her brain releases dopamine neurons that reinforce the memory of the discovery. —Linda Kinstler, Washington Post, 20 June 2024

Nancy Meyers core, dopamine decor, and eclectic vintage were all called out, with more specific search terms mentioned for each category. —Blake Bakkila, Sunset Magazine, 11 June 2024

Now, of course, each is potential content: vicarious thrills for your followers, the dopamine rush of engagement for yourself. —Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 29 June 2024

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