Serotonin is a chemical produced naturally in your brain that affects the way you feel, for example making you feel happier, calmer, or less hungry.
serotonin in British English
(ˌsɛrəˈtəʊnɪn)
noun
a compound that occurs in the brain, intestines, and blood platelets and acts as a neurotransmitter, as well as inducing vasoconstriction and contraction of smooth muscle; 5-hydroxytryptamine (5HT)
Word origin
from sero- + ton(ic) + -in
serotonin in American English
(ˌsɪrəˈtoʊnɪn; ˌ sɛrəˈtoʊnɪn)
noun
a complex amine, C10H12N2O, found in blood, the brain, etc. or produced synthetically: it constricts the blood vessels and contracts smooth muscle tissue, and is important both as a neurotransmitter and a hormone
Word origin
sero- + tonic + -in1
Examples of 'serotonin' in a sentence
serotonin
The researchers say the key to this may be the brain chemical serotonin.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
Drugs with potent effects on the brain chemical serotonin seem most effective.
Christianity Today (2000)
It controls the amount of serotonin in our brain.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
Protein also boosts such feel-good chemicals as serotonin.
The Sun (2010)
In those of modern neuroscience, it is the result of an abundance of serotonin and dopamine.
The Times Literary Supplement (2010)
If you have too little serotonin or dopamine, you can feel depressed.
The Sun (2008)
It is said to produce the same feel-good hormone serotonin in the brain.
The Sun (2009)
Your body flushes with chemicals such as serotonin and adrenaline, which give you a feeling of excitement.
The Sun (2011)
While these are stimulants, they have a paradoxically calming and focusing effect by boosting dopamine and serotonin.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
THE headaches are thought to be caused by the release of natural chemical serotonin into the bloodstream.
The Sun (2010)
When natural light enters your eyes it causes the brain to release serotonin, which boosts energy and mood.
The Sun (2012)
Just by making yourself smile, you produce more serotonin in the brain which in turn makes you feel happier.
The Sun (2015)
The samples are tested for dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin to assess how they handle risky and emotional situations and deal with empathy.
The Sun (2016)
But when you are driving a car, the dopamine and the serotonin and all the fun drugs that normally course through your body just dry up.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
One explanation could be a link with the chemical serotonin, which is produced in the brain and is crucial to feelings of well-being.