an amino acid, CHNO, that is converted by an enzyme in the bloodstream into dopamine: its levorotatory isomer (L-dopa) is used as a drug in treating Parkinson's disease
Origin:
d(ihydr)o(xy)p(henyl)a(lanine)
See dopa in American Heritage Dictionary 4
noun
An amino acid, C9H11NO4, formed in the liver from tyrosine and converted to dopamine in the brain.