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

What if doubt could be pinned to a particular neurotransmitter, and certainty—our whole faith in the data of our senses and stability of our selves—were nothing but a threshold level of serotonin? —Andrew Kay, Harpers Magazine, 28 May 2025

Only about 5 percent of the body’s serotonin is made in the brain. —Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 22 May 2025

And one more layer to things: 90% of feel-good chemical serotonin is made in your gut. —Mara Santilli, Flow Space, 16 May 2025

Serotonin Syndrome Methylene blue interacts with several antidepressant drugs, and the combination can potentially lead to serotonin syndrome, a serious drug reaction caused by high levels of serotonin in the body. —Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 12 May 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