norepinephrine

noun

nor·​epi·​neph·​rine ˈnȯr-ˌe-pə-ˈne-frən 

: a monoamine C₈H₁₁NO₃ that is a neurotransmitter in postganglionic neurons of the sympathetic nervous system and in some parts of the central nervous system, is a vasopressor hormone of the adrenal medulla, and is a precursor of epinephrine in its major biosynthetic pathway

Examples of norepinephrine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Duloxetine belongs to the class of medications called selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) that help increase levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. —Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 19 Dec. 2024

SNRIs work by blocking this absorption or inhibiting it, allowing more serotonin and norepinephrine to remain active and available in the brain and transmit easier from nerve to nerve. —Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY, 13 Dec. 2024

Serotonin plays a role in mood regulation, anxiety, and emotional stability, while norepinephrine affects pain perception and alertness. —Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024

Duloxetine, a selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), is prescribed for anxiety and depression, and can also be used to treat nerve pain for people with diabetes, the Mayo Clinic notes. —Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1937, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

norepinephrine

noun

nor·​epi·​neph·​rine ˈnȯ(ə)r-ˌep-ə-ˈnef-rən 

: a hormone that causes blood vessels to contract and helps to transmit nerve impulses in the sympathetic nervous system and in some parts of the central nervous system

Medical Definition

norepinephrine

noun

nor·​epi·​neph·​rine ˌnȯr-ˌep-ə-ˈnef-rən  -rēn 

: a catecholamine C₈H₁₁NO₃ that is the chemical means of transmission across synapses in postganglionic neurons of the sympathetic nervous system and in some parts of the central nervous system, is a vasopressor hormone of the adrenal medulla, and is a precursor of epinephrine in its major biosynthetic pathway

called also arterenol, noradrenaline

see levophed