noun
Uncommon
dopamine
DOH-puh-meen
Dopamine (noun) means a chemical made in the brain that acts as a neurotransmitter, playing a key role in feelings of pleasure, motivation, and reward. Example: “Winning the game gave her a rush of dopamine.”
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.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
dopamine rush
dopamine levels
dopamine receptor
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Word forms
- Plural
- dopamines
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Winning the game gave her a rush of _____.
Etymology
Formed from "DOPA" (short for dihydroxyphenylalanine, a related chemical) plus the chemical suffix "-amine."
Synonyms
View more →
Dopastat
Intropin
Rhymes for dopamine
See all rhymes for dopamine →Frequently asked questions
What does “dopamine” mean?
The word “dopamine” means a chemical made in the brain that acts as a neurotransmitter, playing a key role in feelings of pleasure, motivation, and reward. In plain terms, the brain chemical behind feelings of reward, pleasure, and motivation.
How do you pronounce “dopamine”?
“Dopamine” is pronounced DOH-puh-meen (/ˈdoʊ.pəˌmin/ in IPA).
How do you use “dopamine” in a sentence?
Here is “dopamine” used in a sentence: “Winning the game gave her a rush of dopamine.”
What part of speech is “dopamine”?
“Dopamine” is a noun.
Is “dopamine” a common word?
“Dopamine” is an uncommon word in modern English.
