Liberal Dictionary English Dictionary
MAO inhibitor noun
monoamine oxidase inhibitor noun Pharmacology.
- any of various substances, as isocarboxazid and phenelzine, that block enzymatic breakdown of certain monoamine neurotransmitters: used to treat severe depression. Abbreviation: MAOI
Origin of monoamine oxidase inhibitor First recorded in 1960–65 Also called MAO inhibitor. British Dictionary definitions for mao inhibitor monoamine oxidase inhibitor noun
- biochem an agent that inhibits the action of monoamine oxidase. Such inhibitors are used in the treatment of depressionAbbreviation: MAOI
mao inhibitor in Medicine monoamine oxidase inhibitor n.
- Any of a class of antidepressant and hypotensive drugs that block the action of monoamine oxidase in the brain, thereby allowing the accumulation of monoamines such as norepinephrine.
mao inhibitor in Science monoamine oxidase inhibitor
- Any of a class of antidepressant drugs that block the action of monoamine oxidase in the brain, thereby allowing the accumulation of monoamines such as norepinephrine, which can alter mood.