norepinephrine

noun

nor·​epi·​neph·​rine ˈnȯr-ˌe-pə-ˈne-frən 

: 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

Here's What to Avoid What L-tyrosine Supplements Are Used For L-tyrosine is a component of important neurotransmitters like dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. —Sean Mowbray, Discover Magazine, 22 Apr. 2025

Tyrosine is also a precursor to the neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine, all of which partly contribute to the body’s fight-or-flight response. —Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 2 Apr. 2025

This includes the neurons that release norepinephrine. —Tom Hawking, Popular Science, 8 Jan. 2025

Treatment for narcolepsy typically includes medications such as stimulants, dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (DNRIs), histamine-3 (H3) receptor antagonists/inverse agonists, and antidepressants. —Karen Berger, Pharmd, Verywell Health, 17 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1937, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for norepinephrine

• epinephrine

Kids Definition

norepinephrine

noun

nor·​epi·​neph·​rine ˈnȯ(ə)r-ˌep-ə-ˈnef-rən 

: 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  -rēn 

: 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