adrenergic

adjective

ad·​ren·​er·​gic ˌa-drə-ˈnər-jik How to pronounce adrenergic (audio)
1
: liberating, activated by, or involving adrenaline or a substance like adrenaline
an adrenergic nerve
2
: resembling adrenaline especially in physiological action
adrenergic drugs
adrenergically adverb

Examples of adrenergic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Currently, non-stimulant options are limited to mainly norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors or alpha-2 adrenergic agonists. New Atlas, 18 Sep. 2024 That inhibition in other areas of the body may be due to SSRIs potentially restricting blood flow by binding to alpha-1 adrenergic receptors, which are found in blood vessels in the skin, brain and more. Kristen Rogers, CNN, 21 Mar. 2024 In response to neurotransmitters such as adrenaline, adrenergic receptors help to heighten awareness and vitality. Sponsored Content, The Mercury News, 19 Jan. 2024 These medications act on adrenergic receptors on the blood vessels that line the nose’s mucous membranes. Marla Broadfoot, Scientific American, 1 Dec. 2023 These medications block aspects of the adrenergic system, thus targeting specific mechanisms that alleviate PTSD symptoms. Neuroskeptic, Discover Magazine, 26 Apr. 2017 Kratom may interact with the brain’s serotonin receptors and adrenergic receptors, which control our fight-or-flight reflexes. Helen Freund and Kirby Wilson, Sun Sentinel, 6 Mar. 2023 Patients taking antidepressants can definitely see an uptick in night sweats, Dr. Shah says, as certain classes of medications can cause an adrenergic reaction, which has to do with your adrenaline levels and leads to sweating. Women's Health, 2 Feb. 2023 In response to leptin, the brain sends a signal that ultimately activates bone cells’ beta-adrenergic receptors, shutting off bone-building osteoblasts and stimulating bone-clearing osteoclasts. Amber Dance, Discover Magazine, 24 Feb. 2022

Word History

Etymology

adren- + -ergic

First Known Use

1934, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of adrenergic was in 1934

Dictionary Entries Near adrenergic

Cite this Entry

“Adrenergic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adrenergic. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

adrenergic

adjective
ad·​ren·​er·​gic ˌad-rə-ˈnər-jik How to pronounce adrenergic (audio)
1
: liberating or activated by adrenaline or a substance like adrenaline
adrenergic nerve fibers
compare cholinergic sense 1, noradrenergic
2
: resembling adrenaline especially in physiological action
adrenergic drugs
adrenergically adverb
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!