norepinephrine

noun

nor·​epi·​neph·​rine ˈnȯr-ˌe-pə-ˈne-frən How to pronounce norepinephrine (audio)
: a monoamine C8H11NO3 that is a neurotransmitter in postganglionic neurons of the sympathetic nervous system and in some parts of the central nervous system, is a vasopressor hormone of the adrenal medulla, and is a precursor of epinephrine in its major biosynthetic pathway

Examples of norepinephrine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Our sympathetic nervous system evolved to meet this threat, pumping norepinephrine, the flight-or-fight hormone, into our tissues. 🧬 Life Is Incredible How Did Life Spring Up From Non-Life? Bone marrow, which produces white blood cells, is one such tissue. Connie Chang, Popular Mechanics, 13 June 2023 This supplement is formulated to maintain and support two important neurotransmitters in the brain: dopamine and norepinephrine. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 1 Nov. 2022 The drug, an antidepressant called duloxetine — one of its brand names is Cymbalta — increases in the brain levels of both serotonin and norepinephrine, chemical messengers that can help modulate pain signals. Moises Velasquez-Manoff, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2023 Exercise naturally releases norepinephrine, which reverses the damage stress has on the brain and reduces cortisol levels. cleveland, 21 Aug. 2023 In a 2020 paper, for example, researchers found that injecting mice with norepinephrine—the body’s fight-or-flight hormone—caused melanocyte stem cells to rapidly transform into melanocytes and migrate away from the follicle. Connie Chang, Popular Mechanics, 3 July 2023 Those spice agents trigger the receptors to send signals to the brain to release norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter primarily responsible for launching the fight-or-flight response. Alice Park, Time, 20 July 2023 These hormones can directly impact our brain chemistry, including the production and regulation of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. Fiorella Valdesolo, Vogue, 5 July 2023 Serotonin, norepinephrine and GABA are the primary chemicals that transfer signals through the body during moments of anxiety. USA TODAY, 10 July 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'norepinephrine.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1937, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of norepinephrine was in 1937

Dictionary Entries Near norepinephrine

Cite this Entry

“Norepinephrine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/norepinephrine. Accessed 7 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

norepinephrine

noun
nor·​epi·​neph·​rine ˈnȯ(ə)r-ˌep-ə-ˈnef-rən How to pronounce norepinephrine (audio)
: a hormone that causes blood vessels to contract and helps to transmit nerve impulses in the sympathetic nervous system and in some parts of the central nervous system

Medical Definition

norepinephrine

noun
nor·​epi·​neph·​rine ˌnȯr-ˌep-ə-ˈnef-rən How to pronounce norepinephrine (audio) -rēn How to pronounce norepinephrine (audio)
: a catecholamine C8H11NO3 that is the chemical means of transmission across synapses in postganglionic neurons of the sympathetic nervous system and in some parts of the central nervous system, is a vasopressor hormone of the adrenal medulla, and is a precursor of epinephrine in its major biosynthetic pathway

called also arterenol, noradrenaline

see levophed

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