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

These effects are partly due to nicotine, which triggers the release of various neurotransmitters and hormones such as epinephrine. —Anthony King, Scientific American, 13 June 2023

An analysis of the fluid from the saline bag used during the teen’s surgery revealed the presence of bupivacaine, epinephrine and lidocaine, other drugs that could have caused the patient’s sudden symptoms. —Dallas News, 15 Sep. 2022

Jacobs Stock Photography Ltd One reason is that stress causes your body to release a hormone called epinephrine, also dubbed adrenaline, which temporarily diminishes hunger, according to Harvard Health. —Melissa Matthews, Men's Health, 1 May 2023

Treatments may include antihistamines, steroids and epinephrine to manage symptoms, but people with the disease must avoid food triggers in the first place. —Kaitlyn Huamani, Peoplemag, 28 July 2023

Anaphylaxis needs to be treated quickly with an epinephrine injection.1 This article discusses jellyfish stings. —Nick Blackmer, Verywell Health, 29 June 2023

For example, having a current epinephrine auto-injector (EAI) prescription was more common among people with higher household incomes and the use of EAIs was higher in those with higher household incomes. —Brian Mastroianni, Health, 30 June 2023

King, who campaigned to get epinephrine and steroid inhalers into the school nurses' office across Ohio, said the call for naloxone must come with funding for training and education to end stigma. —Devin Dwyer, ABC News, 15 May 2023

Though planes must carry epinephrine and syringes, medical organizations have been urging the FAA to require aircraft to carry the auto-injector, a lifesaving device for allergy suffers. —Andrea Sachs, Anchorage Daily News, 14 May 2023

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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