adrenergic

[ ad-ruh-nur-jik ]

/ ˌæd rəˈnɜr dʒɪk /

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adjective

of or like epinephrine in effect.

releasing epinephrine.

activated by epinephrine or any of various substances having epinephrinelike activity.

noun

a drug or other agent having an epinephrinelike effect.

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Compare cholinergic.

Origin of adrenergic

First recorded in 1930–35; adren- + -ergic

Words nearby adrenergic

adrenaline, adrenaline rush, adrenal insufficiency, adrenalize, adrenalized, adrenergic, adreno-, adrenocortical, adrenocorticosteroid, adrenocorticotrophic, adrenocorticotrophic hormone

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

British Dictionary definitions for adrenergic

adrenergic

/ (ˌædrəˈnɜːdʒɪk) /

adjective

releasing or activated by adrenaline or an adrenaline-like substance

Word Origin for adrenergic

C20: adrenaline + Greek ergon work

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for adrenergic

adrenergic

[ ăd′rə-nûr′jĭk ]

Relating to a neuron or axon that is activated by or capable of releasing epinephrine or an epinephrine-like substance when a nerve impulse passes. The nerve endings of the sympathetic nervous system are adrenergic.

Having physiological effects similar to those of epinephrine, as certain drugs.