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

Propranolol is a medication that blocks the adrenergic pathway -- a network of neural and hormonal signals that release neurotransmitters like adrenaline and noradrenaline -- and was used to study this pathway's role in NK cell activity.

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Psychology tells us that anger makes us feel more powerful because of the adrenaline that courses through our bodies prior to acting out.

Read more on Salon

"The rugby gives you the most contact, the most adrenaline. Table tennis is great but there is no real adrenaline rush off it!"

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Willis says that spending time outdoors lowers levels of cortisol and adrenaline - the hormones that surge when you're stressed or anxious.

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

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• epinephrine