catecholamine

noun

cat·​e·​chol·​amine ˌka-tə-ˈkō-lə-ˌmēn How to pronounce catecholamine (audio)
-ˈkȯ-
: any of various amines (such as epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine) that function as hormones or neurotransmitters or both

Examples of catecholamine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Acute stress can suppress appetite when the body enters fight-or-flight mode and produces catecholamines, which are stress-response hormones.34 4. Laura Schober, Health, 21 Aug. 2025 Stressful situations trigger the adrenal glands to release our fight-or-flight hormones, called catecholamines. Kameryn Griesser, CNN Money, 7 June 2025 Ephedrine releases catecholamine chemicals in your body. Ross Phan, Pharmd, Bcacp, Bcgp, Bcps, Verywell Health, 17 Jan. 2025 This reaction increases catecholamine levels, raising heart rate and blood pressure. Aliss Higham, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1954, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of catecholamine was in 1954

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Cite this Entry

“Catecholamine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/catecholamine. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.

Medical Definition

catecholamine

noun
cat·​e·​chol·​amine ˌkat-ə-ˈkō-lə-ˌmēn, -ˈkȯ- How to pronounce catecholamine (audio)
: any of various amines (as epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine) that contain a dihydroxy benzene ring, that are derived from tyrosine, and that function as hormones or neurotransmitters or both

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