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 Ayahuasca is a potent psychedelic brew that combines the leaves of the Psychotria viridis plant, which contain the powerful hallucinogen DMT, with the Banisteriopsis caapi vine, rich in monoamine oxidase inhibitors that prevent DMT's breakdown in the digestive system. Jack Kelly, Forbes, 26 Sep. 2024 Those classes consist of SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), TCAs (tricyclic antidepressants), MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors), and NDRI’s (norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors). Sandra Rose Salathe, Flow Space, 17 July 2024 Research has shown that an antidepressant called a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) can alleviate atypical depression. Karen Pallarito, Health, 2 June 2024 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 The medications work on an enzyme, monoamine oxidase, that boost levels of serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, easing the symptoms of depression. Jodi Helmer, Fortune Well, 26 Mar. 2023 Banisteriopsis caapi is a vine that contains tetrahydroharmine, harmine, and harmaline, β-carbolinic alkaloids which are monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Troy Farah, Discover Magazine, 2 Mar. 2018 The vine contains MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors), the active ingredient in early antidepressants, which helps activate the leaves. Sonya Collins, Fortune, 5 Oct. 2022 The compounds in question, harmine and harmaline, are both part of a group of antidepressants called MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors). Kiona N. Smith, Ars Technica, 16 May 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'monoamine oxidase.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1951, in the meaning defined above

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

Dictionary Entries Near monoamine oxidase

Cite this Entry

“Monoamine oxidase.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/monoamine%20oxidase. Accessed 5 Oct. 2024.

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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