Epinephrine Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
⚡️
epinephrine
[ˌɛpəˈnɛfrɪn ]
Definitions
medical
A hormone and neurotransmitter also known as adrenaline, produced by the adrenal glands in times of stress or danger. Epinephrine increases heart rate, dilates air passages, and mobilizes energy stores in the body.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| epinephrine |
Commonly used in a medical context, especially in the United States, to refer to a hormone and medication that can help treat severe allergic reactions, asthma attacks, and cardiac arrest.
|
| adrenaline |
Used interchangeably with 'adrenalin' but more common in British English. It is often used to describe the body’s response to stress or excitement. It’s also used in medical contexts outside of the United States.
|
| adrenalin |
Commonly used in everyday language, often to describe a rush of energy or excitement. It can also be used in non-medical contexts like sports, adventures, and stressful situations.
|
Examples of usage
- Paramedics administer epinephrine to patients experiencing severe allergic reactions.
- During a fight-or-flight response, the body releases epinephrine to prepare for action.
pharmacology
A medication used to treat severe allergic reactions, asthma attacks, and cardiac arrest. Epinephrine is commonly available in auto-injectors for emergency use.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| epinephrine |
This entry appears to be a duplicate and is redundant to provide a separate context for it. |
| adrenaline |
Frequently used in both medical and everyday contexts to describe both the hormone and the sensation of excitement or fear. It is more commonly used outside the United States.
|
| adrenalin |
This is a less common variant of 'adrenaline' and is typically used in non-medical contexts, often in informal or literary language to describe feelings of excitement or rush.
|
Examples of usage
- If someone is experiencing anaphylaxis, it is crucial to administer epinephrine immediately.
- Individuals with severe allergies carry an epinephrine auto-injector for emergencies.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- Epinephrine is released during the 'fight or flight' response, helping prepare the body to act quickly in stressful situations.
- This substance increases heart rate, boosts energy supplies, and can even temporarily relieve wheezing in asthma patients.
- In emergency medicine, it’s used in an injection form to treat severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) and cardiac arrest.
Pop Culture
- Many action movies depict characters feeling intense fear or thrill, often referencing 'adrenaline rushes' due to epinephrine surges.
- Epinephrine is sometimes mentioned in songs and literature to symbolize high-energy moments or situations requiring quick decisions.
- In popular health trends, it is often associated with the effects of energy drinks, though those typically contain caffeine rather than epinephrine.
Historical Origins
- Epinephrine was first isolated from the adrenal glands in the early 20th century, leading to its use in various medical treatments.
- In 1901, the scientist Jokichi Takamine was the first to successfully isolate and crystallize epinephrine, revolutionizing its availability for medical use.
- Understanding its role in the body paved the way for advancements in anesthesiology and emergency medicine.
Health and Medicine
- Epinephrine injections are crucial for people with severe allergies, allowing them to counteract life-threatening reactions swiftly.
- The drug is also a primary choice in resuscitation during cardiac emergencies, enhancing blood flow to vital organs.
- It can also be used as a treatment for certain kinds of asthma attacks due to its ability to open airways.
Origin of 'epinephrine'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'epinephrine' comes from the Greek words 'epi' meaning 'upon' and 'nephros' meaning 'kidney', as it’s produced in the adrenal glands located above the kidneys.
- 'Adrenaline' is another name commonly used for epinephrine, primarily in the context of its effects in the body.
- The alternative name 'epinephrine' is derived from the American English terminology, while 'adrenaline' is more widely used in British English.
The word 'epinephrine' comes from the combination of 'epi-' meaning 'upon' and 'nephr-' referring to the kidneys. Originally, it was believed that the substance was secreted by the kidneys, but later research revealed its production by the adrenal glands. Epinephrine was first isolated in 1895 by Jokichi Takamine, a Japanese scientist.