epinephrine
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A hormone and neurotransmitter: Epinephrine is a catecholamine secreted by the adrenal medulla, especially in response to stress, fear, or excitement. It prepares the body for 'fight or flight' by increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and energy availability.
- A medication: It is used as a drug (often under the trade name Adrenalin) to treat severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), cardiac arrest, and asthma attacks.
Examples of Usage
- Noun:
- The doctor administered an injection of epinephrine to counteract the patient's severe allergic reaction.
- During moments of intense fear, the body releases epinephrine, causing a rapid heartbeat.
- Epinephrine is a key component in many emergency EpiPens.
Advanced Usage
"Epinephrine auto-injector": A portable device designed to deliver a measured dose of epinephrine in an emergency.
- People with severe allergies should always carry an epinephrine auto-injector.
"Epinephrine reversal": A pharmacological term referring to the effect where certain drugs can reverse the blood pressure increase caused by epinephrine.
Variants and Related Words
Adrenaline (n): The common British English name for epinephrine; often used interchangeably in general contexts.
- The thrill-seeker was chasing an adrenaline rush.
Norepinephrine (n): A related catecholamine that functions as both a hormone and a neurotransmitter, often involved in attention and responding actions.
- Catecholamine (n): The class of organic compounds to which epinephrine belongs.
Synonyms
- Adrenalin (n): The common trade name and synonym, especially in non-medical contexts.
- Pressor amine (n): A technical term for amines like epinephrine that raise blood pressure.
Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)
(Not commonly applicable for this specific scientific/medical noun.)
Related Idioms
- "An adrenaline junkie": (Using the synonym 'adrenaline') A person who thrives on excitement and risky activities.
- As a base jumper, he's a real adrenaline junkie.
Noun
- a catecholamine secreted by the adrenal medulla in response to stress (trade name Adrenalin); stimulates autonomic nerve action