adrenergic

[ ad-ruh-nur-jik ]

adjective

1. of or like epinephrine in effect.
2. releasing epinephrine.
3. activated by epinephrine or any of various substances having epinephrinelike activity.

noun

1. a drug or other agent having an epinephrinelike effect.

adrenergic

/ ˌædrəˈnɜːdʒɪk /

adjective

1. releasing or activated by adrenaline or an adrenaline-like substance

adrenergic

/ ăd′rə-nûr′jĭk /

1. 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.
2. Having physiological effects similar to those of epinephrine, as certain drugs.

Word History and Origins

Origin of adrenergic¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of adrenergic¹

C20: adrenaline + Greek ergon work