epinephrine

noun

epi·​neph·​rine ˌe-pə-ˈne-frən 

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

That stress can lead to high levels of stress hormones like cortisol and epinephrine, which ultimately cause rises in blood sugar. —Vruti Venkatesan, NBC News, 2 Feb. 2025

People who have food allergies may be advised to carry an epinephrine injector with them at all times.2 Lactose Intolerance Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest the sugar (lactose) that's found in cow's milk. —Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 31 Jan. 2025

The treatment is epinephrine, which is given through an injection (an EpiPen). —Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 31 Jan. 2025

In the event of anaphylaxis, 911 should be called and adrenaline (epinephrine) administered, such as with an EpiPen. —Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for epinephrine

• norepinephrine

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

ˌep-ə-ˈnef-rən 

: 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