noun
dopamine
DOH-puh-meen
noun
1
A chemical made in the brain that acts as a neurotransmitter, playing a key role in feelings of pleasure, motivation, and reward.
"Winning the game gave her a rush of dopamine."
"Low dopamine levels are linked to Parkinson's disease."
How to Use Dopamine
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe brain chemical behind feelings of reward, pleasure, and motivation.
Common mistake
Not the same word as "dope" (drugs) — dopamine is unrelated in meaning despite the similar spelling.
Common pairings
dopamine rush
dopamine levels
dopamine receptor
Word Forms
dopamines plural
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Winning the game gave her a rush of _____.
Etymology
Formed from "DOPA" (short for dihydroxyphenylalanine, a related chemical) plus the chemical suffix "-amine."