Main Entry: epi·neph·rine

Variant(s): also epi·neph·rin \ˌe-pə-ˈne-frən\

Function: noun

Etymology: International Scientific Vocabulary epi- + Greek nephros kidney — more at nephritis

Date: 1899

: a colorless crystalline feebly basic sympathomimetic hormone C₉H₁₃NO₃ that is the principal blood-pressure raising hormone secreted by the adrenal medulla and is used medicinally especially as a heart stimulant, a vasoconstrictor in controlling hemorrhages of the skin, and a muscle relaxant in bronchial asthma —called also adrenaline