epinephrine

noun

epi·​neph·​rine ˌe-pə-ˈne-frən 

variants or less commonly epinephrin

: a crystalline sympathomimetic hormone C₉H₁₃NO₃ that is the principal blood-pressure raising hormone secreted by the medulla of the adrenal glands, is prepared from adrenal extracts or made synthetically, and is used medicinally especially to stimulate the heart during cardiac arrest and to treat life-threatening allergic reactions

called also adrenaline

Examples of epinephrine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Other medications, like glucagon, can be used in conjunction with epinephrine to reverse the effects of beta-blocker medications. —Amanda MacMillan, Health, 7 May 2024

Certain medicines, like beta-blockers or angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, can reduce the effectiveness of epinephrine, a lifesaving drug used to treat anaphylactic shock. —Amanda MacMillan, Health, 7 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

epinephrine

noun

ep·​i·​neph·​rine

ˌep-ə-ˈnef-rən

: a hormone of the adrenal gland acting especially on smooth muscle, causing narrowing of blood vessels, and raising blood pressure

called also adrenaline

Medical Definition

epinephrine

noun

epi·​neph·​rine

variants also epinephrin

ˌep-ə-ˈnef-rən 

: a colorless crystalline sympathomimetic hormone C₉H₁₃NO₃ that is the principal blood-pressure-raising hormone secreted by the adrenal medulla, is prepared from adrenal extracts or made synthetically, and is used medicinally especially to stimulate the heart during cardiac arrest and to treat life-threatening allergic reactions

called also adrenaline