epinephrine

noun epi·neph·rine \ˌe-pə-ˈne-frən\

Definition of EPINEPHRINE

: a colorless crystalline feebly basic sympathomimetic hormone C₉H₁₃NO₃ that is the principal blood-pressure raising hormone secreted by the adrenal medulla and is used medicinally especially as a heart stimulant, a vasoconstrictor in controlling hemorrhages of the skin, and a muscle relaxant in bronchial asthma —called also adrenaline

See epinephrine defined for kids

Variants of EPINEPHRINE

epi·neph·rine also epi·neph·rin \ˌe-pə-ˈne-frən\

Origin of EPINEPHRINE

International Scientific Vocabulary epi- + Greek nephros kidney — more at nephritis

First Known Use: 1899

EPINEPHRIN Defined for Kids

epinephrine

noun ep·i·neph·rine \ˌe-pə-ˈne-frən\

Definition of EPINEPHRINE for Kids

: a hormone that causes blood vessels to narrow and the blood pressure to increase

Medical Dictionary

epinephrine

noun epi·neph·rine

Medical Definition of EPINEPHRINE

: a colorless crystalline feebly basic sympathomimetic hormone C₉H₁₃NO₃ that is the principal blood-pressure-raising hormone secreted by the adrenal medulla, is prepared from adrenal extracts or made synthetically, and is used medicinally especially as a heart stimulant, as a vasoconstrictor (as to treat open-angle glaucoma and life-threatening allergic reactions and to prolong the effects of local anesthetics), and as a bronchodilator—called also adrenaline