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

That way, there was no risk of confrontation between them while the adrenaline was still flowing from the game and tempers were running high.

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But when she stepped through the ropes for her first amateur bout, adrenaline surging, she could feel the eyes on her.

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And the associations with danger—and suspense, anxiety, anticipation and adrenaline, he says—are even more likely to slow, if not cure, the breakdown of brain functions caused by the disease.

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Here’s the honest bit: your first Thanksgiving is not necessarily the moment to chase the adrenaline high of marathon meal prep.

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When energy is running low, hormones such as adrenaline activate HSL, prompting it to free fat that can then supply various organs.

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