melatonin: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Medical, Scientific, Informal (when referring to supplements)
Quick answer
What does “melatonin” mean?
A hormone produced by the pineal gland in the brain that regulates sleep and wake cycles.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A hormone produced by the pineal gland in the brain that regulates sleep and wake cycles.
A substance, often taken as a dietary supplement, used to promote sleep or alleviate jet lag.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. UK might use the term 'NHS' in contexts about prescription/advice. The supplement is widely available in both regions.
Connotations
Neutral scientific term in both. Connotations of 'natural' sleep aid in supplement context.
Frequency
Comparable frequency. Slightly more everyday in US due to heavier marketing and over-the-counter status.
Grammar
How to Use “melatonin” in a Sentence
[Subject: body/gland] produces melatonin[Subject: person] takes melatonin (for sleep/jet lag)[Determiner] melatonin level(s) rise/fallVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “melatonin” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The pineal gland melatoninates in response to darkness. (Note: 'melatonin' is not a verb; this is a constructed, non-standard example for illustration only.)
American English
- Your body melatoninates at night. (Note: 'melatonin' is not a verb; this is a constructed, non-standard example for illustration only.)
adverb
British English
- He slept melatoninly after his long flight. (Note: 'melatonin' is not an adverb; this is a constructed, non-standard example for illustration only.)
American English
- She took the pill and fell asleep melatoninly. (Note: 'melatonin' is not an adverb; this is a constructed, non-standard example for illustration only.)
adjective
British English
- The melatonin supplement aisle was well-stocked at the chemist's.
American English
- She checked the melatonin dosage on the bottle from the drugstore.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in pharmaceutical/health product marketing.
Academic
Common in biology, medicine, neuroscience, and psychology papers on sleep and circadian rhythms.
Everyday
Common when discussing sleep problems, jet lag, or supplements.
Technical
Precise term in endocrinology, chronobiology, and sleep medicine.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “melatonin”
- Misspelling as 'melatonine' or 'melatonnin'. Incorrect use: 'I melatonin' instead of 'I take melatonin'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is not a traditional sedative. It's a hormone that signals to your body that it's time to sleep, helping to regulate your natural sleep-wake cycle.
Melatonin is not considered addictive in the same way as prescription sleep medications. However, it's best to use it occasionally and not as a long-term solution without consulting a doctor.
The body produces it naturally. Some foods like tart cherries, walnuts, and tomatoes contain small amounts, but not enough to significantly affect sleep levels compared to your body's own production.
'Natural' melatonin is derived from animal pineal glands (rarely used now). Most supplements contain 'synthetic' melatonin, which is chemically identical to the human hormone and manufactured in labs.
A hormone produced by the pineal gland in the brain that regulates sleep and wake cycles.
Melatonin is usually medical, scientific, informal (when referring to supplements) in register.
Melatonin: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmel.əˈtəʊ.nɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmel.əˈtoʊ.nɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'MELAtonin helps you have a nice MELLOW tone at night, promoting sleep.'
Conceptual Metaphor
SLEEP IS A CHEMICAL MESSAGE (melatonin is the body's 'darkness signal' or 'sleep messenger').
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of melatonin in the human body?