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

Levels of dopamine and norepinephrine differ for kids with ADHD and can often wreak havoc with sleep/wake cycles. —Sarah Scott, Parents, 20 Feb. 2025

Examples of catecholamines are epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine (noradrenaline).3 However, ephedrine also comes with serious risks, such as heart attacks, seizures, stroke, and sudden death.1 Caffeine: Caffeine may have similar metabolic effects as ephedra. —Ross Phan, Pharmd, Bcacp, Bcgp, Bcps, Verywell Health, 17 Jan. 2025

This category includes the depressants Valium, Xanax and Ativan, among others. Antipsychotics, a class of drug that addresses psychosis symptoms in a variety of ways. Antidepressants, which relieve symptoms of depression by affecting neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. —Ashley Bradford, The Conversation, 10 Jan. 2025

This reaction can continue, helping to produce norepinephrine as well. —Caitlin Pagán, Verywell Health, 31 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1937, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for norepinephrine

• epinephrine

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