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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
Examples of catecholamines are epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine (noradrenaline).3 However, ephedrine also comes with serious risks, such as heart attacks, seizures, stroke, and sudden death.1
Caffeine: Caffeine may have similar metabolic effects as ephedra.
—Ross Phan, Pharmd, Bcacp, Bcgp, Bcps, Verywell Health, 17 Jan. 2025
This category includes the depressants Valium, Xanax and Ativan, among others.
Antipsychotics, a class of drug that addresses psychosis symptoms in a variety of ways.
Antidepressants, which relieve symptoms of depression by affecting neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine.
—Ashley Bradford, The Conversation, 10 Jan. 2025
This reaction can continue, helping to produce norepinephrine as well.
—Caitlin Pagán, Verywell Health, 31 Jan. 2025
This oscillatory norepinephrine release proved crucial to the operation of the glymphatic system.
—Ars Technica, 20 Jan. 2025
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Word History
First Known Use
1937, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near norepinephrine
Cite this Entry
“Norepinephrine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/norepinephrine. Accessed 19 Feb. 2025.
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 levophedMore from Merriam-Webster on norepinephrine
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about norepinephrine
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