monoamine: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Technical/Scientific (Biochemistry, Neurology, Pharmacology, Psychiatry)
Quick answer
What does “monoamine” mean?
A compound (e.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A compound (e.g., a neurotransmitter) containing a single amino group (-NH2) connected to an aromatic ring.
Any of a class of biologically important compounds derived from aromatic amino acids, such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which function primarily as neurotransmitters in the brain and nervous system.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or usage differences. The term is used identically in scientific contexts. Potential minor variation in the colloquial pronunciation of the 'o' in 'mono-'.
Connotations
Identical technical connotations.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in general language, but standard and common in specialised scientific and medical fields in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “monoamine” in a Sentence
[determiner] + monoamine + [of/in] + [noun phrase] (e.g., the monoamine serotonin)[adjective] + monoamine + [noun] (e.g., key monoamine neurotransmitters)to affect/inhibit/alter/modulate + monoamine + [levels/activity/reuptake]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “monoamine” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Monoamine is not used as a verb.
American English
- Monoamine is not used as a verb.
adverb
British English
- Monoamine is not used as an adverb.
American English
- Monoamine is not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- The monoamine hypothesis of depression is a foundational theory.
- They studied monoamine metabolism in the rodent model.
American English
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors are a class of antidepressants.
- The research focused on monoamine neurotransmission pathways.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually unused, except potentially in highly specialised biotech/pharma company reports.
Academic
Core term in neuroscience, biochemistry, pharmacology, and psychology research papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Rare. Might appear in popular science articles or discussions about depression and medication.
Technical
High-frequency, precise term. Central to discussions of neurotransmission, psychopharmacology (MAOIs, SSRIs), and neuropsychiatric disorders.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “monoamine”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “monoamine”
- Misspelling as 'monoamin' (dropping the 'e').
- Incorrect plural: 'monoamines' is standard.
- Mispronouncing as /ˌmɒnəʊˈeɪmaɪn/ (like 'amine' in 'vitamin'). The stress pattern is /...əʊəˈmiːn/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It's a type of chemical in your brain that acts as a messenger between nerve cells, important for mood, movement, and motivation. Examples include serotonin and dopamine.
It's an enzyme that breaks down (metabolises) monoamine neurotransmitters. Inhibiting this enzyme (with MAOI drugs) increases the availability of these neurotransmitters.
No, it's a specialised scientific term. You will encounter it mainly in medical, psychological, or biochemical contexts, not in everyday conversation.
The three major monoamine neurotransmitters are serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine (noradrenaline).
Monoamine is usually technical/scientific (biochemistry, neurology, pharmacology, psychiatry) in register.
Monoamine: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmɒnəʊəˈmiːn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmɑːnoʊəˈmiːn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: MONO (one) + AMINE (a type of nitrogen compound). It's a SINGLE amine group on a molecule, crucial for mood.
Conceptual Metaphor
KEY MESSENGERS: Monoamines are often conceptualised as chemical messengers or signals in the brain's communication network.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT typically classified as a monoamine neurotransmitter?