monoamine oxidase

noun

: an enzyme that deaminates monoamines oxidatively and that functions in the nervous system by breaking down monoamine neurotransmitters

Examples of monoamine oxidase in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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To prepare ayahuasca, a plant containing DMT is boiled with another plant that contains a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), such as harmaline, and the resulting brew is then consumed. Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 19 Feb. 2026 Tyramine can suddenly raise blood pressure when combined with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), a type of antidepressant. Merve Ceylan, Health, 20 Oct. 2025 Dopamine, which is essential for the brain’s ability to control movement, is also broken down by monoamine oxidase. Literary Hub, 16 July 2025 Methylene blue inhibits a molecule called monoamine oxidase, whose job is to break down an important brain chemical, serotonin. Lorne J. Hofseth, The Conversation, 3 June 2025 Products with pseudoephedrine should not be used while taking, or within two weeks of stopping, a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor, which is most commonly used to treat for depression or Parkinson’s disease. Lucas Berenbrok, Fortune Well, 26 Oct. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1951, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of monoamine oxidase was in 1951

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Cite this Entry

“Monoamine oxidase.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/monoamine%20oxidase. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.

Medical Definition

monoamine oxidase

noun
: an enzyme that deaminates monoamines oxidatively and that functions in the nervous system by breaking down monoamine neurotransmitters

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