monoamine oxidase: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
lowtechnical / scientific
Quick answer
What does “monoamine oxidase” mean?
An enzyme that breaks down monoamine neurotransmitters in the brain and nervous system.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An enzyme that breaks down monoamine neurotransmitters in the brain and nervous system.
The enzyme system crucial for regulating neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, with two main types (MAO-A and MAO-B) that are targets for certain antidepressant and neuroprotective drugs (MAO inhibitors).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or spelling differences. Pronunciations may vary slightly (see IPA).
Connotations
None; strictly a scientific term.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in technical/scientific registers in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “monoamine oxidase” in a Sentence
inhibition of monoamine oxidaseMAO (monoamine oxidase)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “monoamine oxidase” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The monoamine oxidase activity was measured.
- She is on a monoamine oxidase inhibitor diet.
American English
- The monoamine oxidase activity was measured.
- He is taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor medication.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Extremely rare, except possibly in pharmaceutical company reports or biotech investment discussions.
Academic
Common in neuroscience, pharmacology, biochemistry, and psychiatry research papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation.
Technical
The primary context. Used precisely in medical, pharmaceutical, and biochemical documentation, diagnostics, and treatment guidelines.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “monoamine oxidase”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “monoamine oxidase”
- Pronouncing 'oxidase' with stress on the first syllable (OX-id-ase) instead of the standard /ˈɒksɪdeɪz/.
- Using 'monoamine-oxidase' with an unnecessary hyphen.
- Treating it as a plural noun (e.g., 'monoamine oxidases are...' is correct only when referring to types).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is an enzyme that breaks down monoamine neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, thereby regulating their levels in the brain.
A type of drug that blocks the action of monoamine oxidase, leading to increased levels of certain neurotransmitters. Used to treat depression and some neurological disorders.
Almost never. It is a specialised term used by healthcare professionals, neuroscientists, and pharmacologists.
Yes, the two main types are MAO-A and MAO-B, which break down different neurotransmitters and are targeted by different medications.
An enzyme that breaks down monoamine neurotransmitters in the brain and nervous system.
Monoamine oxidase is usually technical / scientific in register.
Monoamine oxidase: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmɒnəʊeɪˌmiːn ˈɒksɪdeɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmɑːnoʊəˌmiːn ˈɑːksɪdeɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
MONOamine Oxidase: Remember it's ONE (mono) type of AMINE that this OXIDASE enzyme works on.
Conceptual Metaphor
A REGULATOR or CLEAN-UP CREW for brain chemicals; an enzyme that 'recycles' or 'deactivates' neurotransmitters.
Practice
Quiz
Monoamine oxidase is primarily relevant to which field?