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serotonin

serotonin

20 5.2
A brain chemical that affects mood, sleep, and body functions
  • noun
  • /ˌsɛrəˈtoʊnɪn/
  • Specialized
: serotonina
  • Their electrolytes and hydration levels were checked, their serotonin levels elevated against post-Shift depression.
  • serotonin reuptake
  • serotonin reuptake inhibitor
  • serotonin levels

But then when we go into REM sleep, serotonin is shut off.

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Examples

  • And the gut has more of the neurotransmitter serotonin in it than the brain does.

  • So, you know, blocking serotonin reuptake is one way to treat depression.

  • Plus, we maintain careful control over their serotonin levels.

  • You believe that low levels of serotonin give rise to aggression.

  • Just the physical act of smiling causes the serotonin to be released.

  • You get increases in serotonin, which helps regulate your mood.

  • The balance of oxytocin and serotonin in your system is unusual.

  • The aggression is most likely brought on by massive reductions in serotonin levels.

  • The drugs work by artificially boosting brain levels of serotonin, one of the mood neurotransmitters.

    Academic text (2011)
  • Eating foods rich in carbohydrates can help increase your body's production of serotonin, which plays a role in regulating mood.

Synonyms

5-hydroxytryptamine
vsserotonin
  • Specialized
1 6.8

A chemical in the brain and body that affects mood, sleep, and appetite

is the common or everyday name for that neurotransmitter

Compounds

A medicine that treats depression by raising a brain chemical called serotonin

Surface Forms

serotonin singular
serotonins plural

Etymology

Serotonin comes from sero- meaning 'serum' (the liquid part of blood) and -tonin from 'tonic', meaning 'tone' or 'strength'. It was first named for a blood substance that changed muscle 'tone', and today serotonin is a brain chemical that helps set the 'tone' of mood, sleep, and other body functions.