adrenaline

[ uh-dren-l-in, -een ]

noun

1. Biochemistry. epinephrine ( def 1 ).
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.

adrenaline

/ əˈdrɛnəlɪn /

noun

1. 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 US nameepinephrine

adrenaline

/ ə-drĕn′ə-lĭn /

1. See epinephrine

adrenaline

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

Notes

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 .

Word History and Origins

Origin of adrenaline¹

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

Example Sentences

I started riding motorcycles a few years ago because I went through a breakup, and I think I needed a good adrenaline rush.

From Los Angeles Times

I feel like I’m on an adrenaline rush for four months while I play her, and when I’m finished I’m like, I now have to go back to my quiet, boring life.

From BBC

Is he just an adrenaline junkie and thrill seeker?

From Salon

He wasn’t an adrenaline junkie until the end.

From Salon

With him being an adrenaline junkie, there is something that goes with this lifestyle — robbing, and driving away, and being pursued, and going into hiding, and feeling all the pressure that comes with that.

From Salon

Related Words

• epinephrine