adren-

American  

1. variant of adreno- before a vowel.

   adrenergic.

---

Usage

What does adren- mean? Adren- is a combining form used like a prefix representing either adrenal or adrenaline, especially used in medical terms. Adrenal relates to the adrenal glands. What are the adrenal glands and where are they located? The adrenal glands are a pair of glands located above the kidneys that produce steroidal hormones, including adrenaline (also called epinephrine). The hormones are essential for our bodies to function, and the inadequate production of them is known as adrenal insufficiency; one unproven theory claims that so-called adrenal fatigue is a form of adrenal insufficiency caused by extreme stress. Adren- is based on the Latin prefix ad-, meaning "toward," and rēnēs, "kidney." You can use that to remember where the adrenal glands are found in the body!Adren- is a variant of adreno-, which loses its -o- when combined with words or word elements beginning with vowels. Want to know more? Read our Words That Use adreno- article.