or ep·i·neph·rin

[ ep-uh-nef-rin, -reen ]
/ ˌɛp əˈnɛf rɪn, -rin /


Pharmacology. a commercial form of this substance, extracted from the adrenal glands of sheep and cattle, or synthesized: used chiefly as a heart stimulant, to constrict the blood vessels, and to relax the bronchi in asthma.

Origin of epinephrine

1895–1900; epi- + Greek nephr(ós) kidney + -ine2
Also called adrenaline.

British Dictionary definitions for epinephrine



/ (ˌɛpɪˈnɛfrɪn, -riːn) /


a US name for adrenaline

Word Origin for epinephrine

C19: from epi- + nephro- + -ine ²

Medicine definitions for epinephrine



A catecholamine hormone of the adrenal medulla that is the most potent stimulant of the sympathetic nervous system, resulting in increased heart rate and force of contraction, vasoconstriction or vasodilation, relaxation of bronchiolar and intestinal smooth muscle, glycogenolysis, lipolysis, and other metabolic effects.adrenaline
A white to brownish crystalline compound isolated from the adrenal glands of certain mammals or synthesized and used in medicine as a heart stimulant, vasoconstrictor, and bronchial relaxant.

Science definitions for epinephrine


[ ĕp′ə-nĕfrĭn ]

A hormone that is secreted by the adrenal gland in response to physical or mental stress, as from fear, and is regulated by the autonomic nervous system. The release of epinephrine causes an increase in heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate. Epinephrine also raises glucose levels in the blood for use as fuel when more alertness or greater physical effort is needed. Also called adrenaline. Chemical formula: C9H13NO3.