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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Anaphylaxis can be treated using an epinephrine injection—also known as an EpiPen. Marco Rubio, Newsweek, 1 Nov. 2024 Immediate treatment for anaphylaxis is often necessary and typically requires an epinephrine injection. Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 31 Oct. 2024 The emergency room staff administrated several rounds of epinephrine, three rounds of Narcan and CPR. Cathy Kozlowicz, Journal Sentinel, 8 Oct. 2024 The surge of stings from yellow jackets, bees and other insects has prompted the state health department to buy Benadryl and epinephrine injections as aid groups also work to acquire the medications and get them to those in the affected areas. Stephen Sorace, Fox News, 6 Oct. 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 19 Nov. 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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