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monoamine oxidase
noun
: an enzyme that deaminates monoamines oxidatively and that functions in the nervous system by breaking down monoamine neurotransmitters
Examples of monoamine oxidase in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Ayahuasca is a potent psychedelic brew that combines the leaves of the Psychotria viridis plant, which contain the powerful hallucinogen DMT, with the Banisteriopsis caapi vine, rich in monoamine oxidase inhibitors that prevent DMT's breakdown in the digestive system.
—Jack Kelly, Forbes, 26 Sep. 2024
Those classes consist of SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), TCAs (tricyclic antidepressants), MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors), and NDRI’s (norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors).
—Sandra Rose Salathe, Flow Space, 17 July 2024
Research has shown that an antidepressant called a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) can alleviate atypical depression.
—Karen Pallarito, Health, 2 June 2024
Products with pseudoephedrine should not be used while taking, or within two weeks of stopping, a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor, which is most commonly used to treat for depression or Parkinson’s disease.
—Lucas Berenbrok, Fortune Well, 26 Oct. 2023
The medications work on an enzyme, monoamine oxidase, that boost levels of serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, easing the symptoms of depression.
—Jodi Helmer, Fortune Well, 26 Mar. 2023
Banisteriopsis caapi is a vine that contains tetrahydroharmine, harmine, and harmaline, β-carbolinic alkaloids which are monoamine oxidase inhibitors.
—Troy Farah, Discover Magazine, 2 Mar. 2018
The vine contains MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors), the active ingredient in early antidepressants, which helps activate the leaves.
—Sonya Collins, Fortune, 5 Oct. 2022
The compounds in question, harmine and harmaline, are both part of a group of antidepressants called MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors).
—Kiona N. Smith, Ars Technica, 16 May 2022
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'monoamine oxidase.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1951, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of monoamine oxidase was
in 1951
Dictionary Entries Near monoamine oxidase
Cite this Entry
“Monoamine oxidase.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/monoamine%20oxidase. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
Medical Definition
monoamine oxidase
noun
: an enzyme that deaminates monoamines oxidatively and that functions in the nervous system by breaking down monoamine neurotransmitters
More from Merriam-Webster on monoamine oxidase
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about monoamine oxidase
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