/ˈdoʊpə/ DOH-puh

Definitions

1. noun

A dopa is a chemical compound, primarily 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine, that is a precursor to the neurotransmitter dopamine.

“The researcher studied the effects of dopa on the brain’s dopamine levels.”

2. noun

In biochemistry, dopa is a term that refers to a class of compounds that are precursors to catecholamines, such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine.

“The biochemist discussed the dopa precursors in the body’s metabolic pathways.”