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

Collaborating with Pearson Sound made this track exciting too because listening to his music has always been a serotonin rush. —Walden Green, Pitchfork, 10 Sep. 2025

Low levels of serotonin, a key feature of depression, are associated with violence, Girgis said. —Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2025

Key Takeaways While more research is needed, current studies suggest that kiwi may support better sleep due to its serotonin, melatonin, and antioxidant properties. —Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 4 Sep. 2025

Psychedelics, broadly defined, are a class of psychoactive substances that alter perception, cognition and mood through their interaction with neurotransmitters such as serotonin. —Pardis Mahdavi, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 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