epinephrine

noun epi·neph·rine \ ˌe-pə-ˈne-frən \

variants: or less commonly epinephrin

Updated on: 7 Apr 2018

Definition of epinephrine

: 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

See epinephrine defined for kids

Recent Examples of epinephrine from the Web

In transit to the hospital, the woman was given a double dose of epinephrine, infusions of saline solution, corticosteroids and antihistamines.

— susan scutti, CNN, "Live bee sting acupuncture is deadly for Madrid woman," 22 Mar. 2018
Chest pain, spasms, and elevated levels of the stress hormones norepinephrine and epinephrine are a few of the potential reactions.

— blake bakkila, Health.com, "7 Things You Need to Know to Survive a Breakup," 9 Feb. 2018
Many states have mandated epinephrine autoinjectors in schools and have peanut-free zones.

— Philly.com, "Food allergy bullying is real, and can be dangerous, pediatrician writes," 12 Feb. 2018
First aid, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, includes use of an epinephrine pen or antihistamines.

— christine hauser, New York Times, "Fire Ants Are Yet Another Hazard in Houston’s Flooded Streets," 30 Aug. 2017
EpiPens, which contain the hormone epinephrine (also known as adrenaline), are used to stave off allergic reactions that can be fatal.

— anna edney, Washington Post, "EpiPen Failures Cited in Seven Deaths This Year, FDA Files Show," 4 Nov. 2017
If the data is perceived as something that causes angst, the adrenal gland produces a hormonal secretion that results in the release of catecholamines, especially norepinephrine and epinephrine.

— NBC News, "How Impostor Syndrome Is Holding You Back at Work," 26 Oct. 2017
First, the visitors rode to Hospital Metropolitano de la Montaña to drop off the medicine its staff had requested: dopamine, epinephrine, magnesium sulfate, atropine, calcium gluconate, and more.

— richard fausset, New York Times, "A Doctor’s Abandoned Journey Into Isolated Puerto Rico," 9 Oct. 2017
The auto-injectors are designed to be used during life-threatening allergic reactions to provide a quick shot of epinephrine.

— beth mole, Ars Technica, "FDA slams EpiPen maker for doing nothing while hundreds failed, people died," 7 Sep. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'epinephrine.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of epinephrine

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1899

See Words from the same year

EPINEPHRINE Defined for Kids

epinephrine

noun ep·i·neph·rine \ ˌe-pə-ˈne-frən \

Definition of epinephrine for Students

: a hormone that causes blood vessels to narrow and the blood pressure to increase

Medical Dictionary

epinephrine

noun epi·neph·rine

variants: also epinephrin play \ˌep-ə-ˈnef-rən\

medical Definition of epinephrine

: a colorless crystalline feebly basic 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 as a heart stimulant, as a vasoconstrictor (as to treat open-angle glaucoma and life-threatening allergic reactions and to prolong the effects of local anesthetics), and as a bronchodilator — called also adrenaline