Find over 25,000 psychological definitions


cycle

n. a distinct pattern within a time series of data for a specific variable. The pattern can be evenly spaced (e.g., as with seven-day weekly sales figures) or irregular (e.g., as with shifts in sales due to weather changes or economic factors).

Browse dictionary by letter

a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z

Psychology term of the day

March 16th 2025

imipramine

imipramine

n. a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) with a tertiary amine molecular structure. It was originally synthesized in the hope of creating an effective antipsychotic but was observed to be ineffective in reducing psychotic symptoms. It did, however, seem to help individuals with severe depression and was subsequently marketed as an antidepressant. It is considered the prototype TCA, and like all tricyclic agents, its use as an antidepressant has been largely supplanted by less toxic drugs. It retains a therapeutic role as a sedative and adjunct in the management of neuromuscular or musculoskeletal pain. U.S. trade name: Tofranil.