norepinephrine

[ nawr-ep-uh-nef-rin, -reen ]

noun

1. Also called noradrenaline. Physiology. a neurotransmitter, released by adrenergic nerve terminals in the autonomic and possibly the central nervous system, that has such effects as constricting blood vessels, raising blood pressure, and dilating bronchi.
2. Pharmacology. a commercial form of this substance used for emergency treatment of lowered blood pressure.

norepinephrine

/ -riːn; ˌnɔːrɛpɪˈnɛfrɪn /

noun

1. See noradrenaline
   the US name for noradrenaline

norepinephrine

/ nôr′ĕp-ə-nĕf′rĭn /

1. A substance that acts both as a neurotransmitter and hormone, secreted in the central nervous system, at the nerve endings of the sympathetic nervous system, and by the adrenal gland. Norepinephrine is similar to epinephrine in its physiological effects but acts to regulate regular physiologic activity rather than being released in response to stress. Also called noradrenaline. Chemical formula: C 8 H 11 NO 3 .

Word History and Origins

Origin of norepinephrine¹

First recorded in 1940–45; nor- + epinephrine

Example Sentences

You have norepinephrine and oxytocin and vasopressin and serotonin, you have this chemical cocktail in your brain that is almost the same chemical cocktail as when you’re in love with someone.

From Time

Key communication molecules such as serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine can get scrambled when there’s lots of inflammation.

From Science News

NPY works as a natural tranquilizer that controls anxiety and buffers the effects of stress hormones like norepinephrine.

From The Daily Beast