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 ; thehormone andneurotransmitter .
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
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Examples
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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
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Then you get to your hotel and your adrenaline is at its zenith and you can't fall asleep.
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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
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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!
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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!
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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
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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.
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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
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` ` 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
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` ` I think my adrenaline is going to carry me through the first game. ''
USATODAY.com 2008
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