tyramine

noun

ty·​ra·​mine ˈtī-rə-ˌmēn How to pronounce tyramine (audio)
: a phenolic amine C8H11NO found in various foods and beverages (such as cheese and red wine) that has a sympathomimetic action and is derived from tyrosine

Examples of tyramine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Then there are biogenic amines, another fermentation byproduct that contains things like histamine and tyramine, both of which have been linked to headaches. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 20 Nov. 2023 For some people, foods high in substances like tyramine, nitrates, sulfites, and artificial ingredients can trigger head pain. Sarah Garone, Health, 16 Apr. 2023 Food preservatives such as MSG, dyes (red dye in particular) and nitrates seem to cause migraines, as well as tyramine, which is present in parmesan and other aged cheeses. Risa Kerslake, Discover Magazine, 12 Feb. 2022 Aged cheese/cured meats and antidepressants: These foods (plus avocados, chocolate, beer and wine) all contain the amino acid tyramine, which helps regulate blood pressure. Richard A. Marini, San Antonio Express-News, 6 Mar. 2018 Yep, believe it or not, an estimated 25% of all migraine headaches are caused by tyramine, a substance in protein. Alexis Reliford, Good Housekeeping, 27 Sep. 2017 So if looking for a food fix for migraines, consider eliminating these high-tyramine cheeses first: English Stilton, blue cheese, sharp cheddar, Danish blue, mozzarella, Swiss Gruyere, feta, Parmesan and Gorgonzola. Alexis Reliford, Good Housekeeping, 27 Sep. 2017

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

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary tyrosine + amine

First Known Use

1910, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tyramine was in 1910

Dictionary Entries Near tyramine

Cite this Entry

“Tyramine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tyramine. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

tyramine

noun
ty·​ra·​mine ˈtī-rə-ˌmēn How to pronounce tyramine (audio)
: a phenolic amine C8H11NO that is found in various foods and beverages (as cheese and red wine), has a sympathomimetic action, and is derived from tyrosine

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