adrenaline

[uh-dren-l-in, -een]

noun

1. Biochemistry.,  epinephrine.

2. the feeling of excitement, alertness, and intensity caused by the release of epinephrine in the body.

   For adventure seekers, there are ungroomed, off-piste routes with deep snow offering lots and lots of adrenaline.

adrenaline

/ əˈdrɛnəlɪn /

noun

1. US name: epinephrine. a hormone that is secreted by the adrenal medulla in response to stress and increases heart rate, pulse rate, and blood pressure, and raises the blood levels of glucose and lipids. It is extracted from animals or synthesized for such medical uses as the treatment of asthma. Chemical name: aminohydroxyphenylpropionic acid; formula: C 9 H 13 NO 3

adrenaline

1. See epinephrine

adrenaline

1. A hormone secreted by the adrenal glands that helps the body meet physical or emotional stress (see endocrine system).

Figuratively, the term adrenaline is used in speaking of a high state of excitement: “When the race began, the adrenaline really started pumping.”

Adrenaline plays a very large role in the fight or flight reaction, which refers to the various processes that occur within the body when it is confronted with some form of mental or physical stress.

Word History and Origins

Origin of adrenaline¹

First recorded in 1900–05; adrenal + -ine ¹

Example Sentences

The movie ultimately treats us like adrenaline junkies, assuming we lack curiosity.

From Los Angeles Times

"An adrenaline rush, an ego boost, a full sense of worth, a selfish gratification with no rewards, at cost to others. What I lost, what we have lost, cannot be found nor replaced."

From BBC

"I found that I get the same adrenaline boost from being in trouble with the police and being missing and stuff."

From BBC

Murray said what he did was based on instincts and adrenaline.

From Los Angeles Times

On the football field, the deafening roar of the crowd and the buzz of adrenaline unify into one continuous hum, a voice in the back of a player’s head encouraging bloodlust and brutality.

From Salon

Related Words

• epinephrine