monoamine oxidase inhibitor

Definition of monoamine oxidase inhibitor

monoamine oxidase inhibitor

(MAH-noh-uh-MEEN OK-sih-days in-HIH-bih-ter)
A type of drug used to treat depression. It stops the breakdown of certain chemicals in the brain that help improve a person’s mood. A monoamine oxidase inhibitor is a type of antidepressant. Also called MAO inhibitor.

Source: NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms