from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Adrenaline \Ad*re"nal*ine\, n. Also Adrenalin \Ad*re"nal*in\
(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. --MI11
Syn: epinephrine;
3,4-dihydroxy-1-[1-hydroxy-2-(methylamino)-ethyl]benzene.
[Webster 1913 Suppl. +PJC]