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Definition of "epinephrine" []

  • A hormone secreted by the adrenal medulla that is released into the bloodstream in response to physical or mental stress, as from fear or injury. It initiates many bodily responses, including the stimulation of heart action and an increase in blood pressure, metabolic rate, and blood glucose concentration. Also called adrenaline. (noun)
  • A white to brownish crystalline compound, C9H13NO3, isolated from the adrenal glands of certain mammals or synthesized and used in medicine as a heart stimulant, vasoconstrictor, and bronchial relaxant. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "epinephrine" in a sentence
  • "According to the scheme the epinephrine is attached to a receptor on the surface of the cell."
  • "Remember that injectable epinephrine is emergency, rescue medication only."
  • ""We jolt the heart with the paddles, we pump in epinephrine to force it to beat, so it’s taking up more oxygen.""