Definitions

from the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English.

  • noun .
  • (Physiol. Chem.) a hormone secreted by the adrenal medulla that acts as a powerful stimulant in reponse to fear or stress; it stimulates autonomic nerve action. It can be obtained as a crystalline substance, C9H13NO3. It is used in medicine as a vasoconstrictor (hemostatic) and cardiac stimulant, also to reduce allergic reactions and to stimulate the heart in cases of cardiac arrest.

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • noun biochemistry An alternative name for epinephrine; the hormone and neurotransmitter.

from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.

  • noun a catecholamine secreted by the adrenal medulla in response to stress (trade name Adrenalin); stimulates autonomic nerve action

Etymologies

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License

From adrenal +‎ -ine.

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Examples

  • ‡ Figuratively, the term adrenaline is used in speaking of a high state of excitement: “When the race began, the adrenaline really started pumping.

    adrenaline 2002

  • Then you get to your hotel and your adrenaline is at its zenith and you can't fall asleep.

    Archive: Michael in the mirror 2009

  • As someone pointed out adrenaline is pounding all round and the police know what there is going to be people there just to cause trouble.

    G20 police assault verdict SHOCK! « POLICE INSPECTOR BLOG Inspector Gadget 2010

  • One can only imagine the heart pounding, blood thumpin ', adrenaline shootin' high, that a man gets when he sees one of these beauty's in the wild outdoors!

    Record Bucks of History 2009

  • One can only imagine the heart pounding, blood thumpin ', adrenaline shootin' high, that a man gets when he sees one of these beauty's in the wild outdoors!

    Record Bucks of History 2009

  • The thrill for the amateur is partly based in adrenaline, and it also lies in the dramatic tradition of the sport.

    Matador for a Day 2010

  • These women, in turn, create men with anger management issues who function best (if at all) in jobs where adrenaline is privileged over reasoned discussion.

    Rescue me from Rescue Me 2008

  • Since there are people who cheer the Clintons on, their adrenaline is high, they will get depressed when it stops so they will go on.

    Exit polls: Nearly half in both states say Wright an issue 2008

  • ` ` The adrenaline is pumping and it's obviously a huge win for our hockey team to come back in the third period and respond after a disappointing outing in Ottawa. ''

    USATODAY.com 2008

  • ` ` I think my adrenaline is going to carry me through the first game. ''

    USATODAY.com 2008

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