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
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Physical fitness increases your level of serotonin, a feel-good neurotransmitter produced in your brain and gut. 
Ashley Stahl, Forbes, 16 Aug. 2022 Then other neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin and endorphins come into play too. Cindy Gordon, Forbes, 14 Aug. 2022 Molecular Psychology says the evidence for serotonin just isn’t there. Eleanor Cummins, The New Republic, 10 Aug. 2022 This is because of their lower levels of serotonin, according to research published in the Journal of Psychophysiology. Samantha Lawyer, Woman's Day, 18 July 2022 In other words, lack of sunlight can not only decrease vitamin D levels but dysregulate serotonin, the neurotransmitter directly responsible for balancing mood. Nikki Brown, PEOPLE.com, 9 June 2022 It's seems true that, similar to SSRIs, boosting tryptophan has a broad impact on serotonin. Andrew Neff, CNN, 25 Nov. 2021 People with depression or anxiety often have low levels of serotonin, as do people with post-traumatic stress disorder, cluster headaches, anorexia, smoking addiction and substance abuse. Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 11 June 2022 Matcha also can reduce anxiety and puts me in a better mood by raising serotonin and dopamine levels. Shani Hillian, Bon Appétit, 18 Apr. 2022 See More
Ashley Stahl, Forbes, 16 Aug. 2022 Then other neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin and endorphins come into play too. Cindy Gordon, Forbes, 14 Aug. 2022 Molecular Psychology says the evidence for serotonin just isn’t there. Eleanor Cummins, The New Republic, 10 Aug. 2022 This is because of their lower levels of serotonin, according to research published in the Journal of Psychophysiology. Samantha Lawyer, Woman's Day, 18 July 2022 In other words, lack of sunlight can not only decrease vitamin D levels but dysregulate serotonin, the neurotransmitter directly responsible for balancing mood. Nikki Brown, PEOPLE.com, 9 June 2022 It's seems true that, similar to SSRIs, boosting tryptophan has a broad impact on serotonin. Andrew Neff, CNN, 25 Nov. 2021 People with depression or anxiety often have low levels of serotonin, as do people with post-traumatic stress disorder, cluster headaches, anorexia, smoking addiction and substance abuse. Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 11 June 2022 Matcha also can reduce anxiety and puts me in a better mood by raising serotonin and dopamine levels. Shani Hillian, Bon Appétit, 18 Apr. 2022 See More 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
Medical Definition
serotonin
noun
se·ro·to·nin ˌsir-ə-ˈtō-nən ˌser-
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