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

Simply put, the norepinephrine triggers a pump-like effect that pushes fluid around the brain to rinse waste buildup. —Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Jan. 2025

Examples include antidepressants—especially selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)—and beta blockers, which block one of the receptors to which norepinephrine binds. —Tom Hawking, Popular Science, 8 Jan. 2025

Wellbutrin is thought to act on dopamine and norepinephrine, whereas Prozac is believed to act on serotonin. —Mary Choy, Verywell Health, 6 Aug. 2024

Duloxetine works by affecting two key neurotransmitters in the brain: serotonin and norepinephrine. —Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1937, in the meaning defined above

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