adrenaline

American  

[uh-dren-l-in, -een] / əˈdrɛn l ɪn, -ˌin /

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.

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adrenaline British  

/ 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

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adrenaline Scientific  

/ ə-drĕn′ə-lĭn /

1. See epinephrine

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adrenaline Cultural  

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

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Discover More

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.

Etymology

Origin of adrenaline

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

Compare meaning

How does adrenaline compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• epinephrine vs. adrenaline
• noradrenaline vs. adrenaline

Example Sentences

“He loves thrills, speed, adrenaline, and pushing himself beyond his limits,” he added.

From The Wall Street Journal

View that as a parable if you wish, or simply enjoy the adrenaline rush.

From Salon

"It's that adrenaline, you want to be better than the competition, you want to build a better piece and have a faster car. I just enjoy the competition."

From BBC

Both emerged like a shot of adrenaline after halftime.

From Los Angeles Times

For Kohl’s shoppers, the adrenaline rush is “the tangible thrill of using a large coupon for a significant discount at checkout,” said Isabella Rossi, who is 31 and lives in San Francisco.

From The Wall Street Journal