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

People with soy allergies should carry an epinephrine injection, also known as an Epi-Pen, which can help to quickly reverse the effects of a sever reaction. —Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2024

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

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined above

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