Word
serotonin
Phoneticssero·tonin
US/sɝəˈtoʊnɪn/
UK/sˌɛɹətˈəʊnɪn/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. a chemical in your brain and body that helps control your mood, sleep, and digestion. It is often called the 'feel-good' chemical because it helps you feel calm and happy.
n. a neurotransmitter derived from tryptophan that is involved in the regulation of mood, appetite, sleep, and cognitive functions. Primarily found in the gastrointestinal tract, blood platelets, and the central nervous system.
Examples
“Exercise can help increase the levels of serotonin in your brain.”
“Many modern antidepressants work by increasing the amount of serotonin available in the brain to help stabilize a patient's mood.”
“While primarily recognized for its role in emotional regulation, the vast majority of the body's serotonin is actually produced in the gut, where it facilitates various digestive processes.”
Examples
simple
“Exercise can help increase the levels of serotonin in your brain.”
contextual
“Many modern antidepressants work by increasing the amount of serotonin available in the brain to help stabilize a patient's mood.”
complex
“While primarily recognized for its role in emotional regulation, the vast majority of the body's serotonin is actually produced in the gut, where it facilitates various digestive processes.”
Usage
Usually uncountable when referring to the chemical substance; can be countable in medical contexts referring to specific types or levels.
Real-World Examples
“Oestrogen has a stimulating effect on the brain – it boosts dopamine and serotonin, the chemicals behind focus, mood, and motivation – so when it’s high, ADHD symptoms tend to ease.” “The team also restored serotonin levels and reduced depression-like behaviors in mice by controlling expression of the Tph2 gene.” Etymology
From sero- + tone + -in.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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