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

In addition, Trump’s order aims to revive elements of his first-term health agenda, including encouraging states to import prescription drugs from Canada, and discounts on insulin and epinephrine for people with low income. —Nathaniel Weixel, The Hill, 15 Apr. 2025

May Provide Stress Relief Polyphenols in cocoa may help lower cortisol and epinephrine (adrenaline) stress hormones. —Ann Pietrangelo, Verywell Health, 14 Apr. 2025

An epinephrine nasal spray is now available, too, which also works very quickly. —Breanne Hayes Haney, The Conversation, 14 Apr. 2025

Still, despite how frequently medical emergencies occur, the death rate is about 0.3%, the CDC said, adding that medical kits normally include medications such as antihistamine, epinephrine, and lidocaine. —Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, 15 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for epinephrine

• norepinephrine

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