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

Mood changes: High protein with insufficient carbohydrates may impact serotonin (a feel-good hormone) levels, affecting mood and energy levels.17 Great Food Sources Protein is found in almost every food (including broccoli), but some foods are better sources than others. —Lauren Panoff, Mph, Rd, Verywell Health, 18 Apr. 2025

There's no surer cure for the blues than a shot of serotonin straight to the heart in the form of one of the best rom-coms of all time. —Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 14 Apr. 2025

Accordingly, there are some tense moments, but mostly A League of Their Own concerns lusting after a young Tom Hanks and watching Madonna and Rosie O’Donnell run around in period softball costumes—a.k.a. instant serotonin. —Emma Specter, Vogue, 6 Apr. 2025

Exercise can boost levels of the hormones serotonin and dopamine, both of which can improve your overall mood and feelings of well-being. —Wendy Wisner, Health, 31 Mar. 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