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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Treatment for severe reactions includes using epinephrine and calling 911 for emergency medical help. Corinne Savides Happel, Verywell Health, 5 Mar. 2025 None of the children in the immunotherapy group had a severe enough reaction when consuming peanut protein at home to need a shot of epinephrine, and just one needed the medication during a visit to the study site. Linda Carroll, NBC News, 10 Feb. 2025 In the event of anaphylaxis, adrenaline, also known as epinephrine, should be administered, such as with an EpiPen, and 911 should be called. Hatty Willmoth, Newsweek, 21 Jan. 2025 Beta-blockers block the action of epinephrine (also known as adrenaline), a substance produced in the body that can increase heart rate and blood pressure. Karen Berger, Pharmd, Verywell Health, 13 Mar. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Epinephrine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/epinephrine. Accessed 29 Mar. 2025.

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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