epinephrine

noun

epi·​neph·​rine ˌe-pə-ˈne-frən How to pronounce epinephrine (audio)
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
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.
Hypoglycemia triggers the release of the hormones epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine (noradrenaline) in your body. Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 29 Nov. 2024 In extreme circumstances, exposure to egg could cause anaphylaxis, an extreme allergic reaction and life-threatening emergency requiring urgent medical attention and an immediate shot of adrenaline, also known as epinephrine. Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 28 Nov. 2024 Some medications, such as Benadryl and epinephrine, can only be administered by flight attendants once an on-call medical professional on the ground has given approval. Christine Chung, New York Times, 15 Apr. 2024 Anaphylaxis can be treated using an epinephrine injection—also known as an EpiPen. Marco Rubio, Newsweek, 1 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for epinephrine 

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of epinephrine was in 1899

Dictionary Entries Near epinephrine

Cite this Entry

“Epinephrine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/epinephrine. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

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
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on epinephrine

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