adrenaline
UK[əˈdrenəlɪn]US[əˈdrenəlɪn]
n
a hormone produced by the body when you are frightened, angry, or excited, which makes the heart beat faster and prepares the body to react to danger.
Morpheme Breakdown
ad
renal
ine
ad
near
renal
kidney
ine
chemical substance
Etymology
The word 'adrenaline' is a modern scientific coinage derived from latin components. it literally means 'near the kidneys', as the prefix 'ad-' indicates proximity and the root 'renal' pertains to the kidneys. this is because the adrenal glands, which secrete this hormone, are situated atop the kidneys. the suffix '-ine' is a standard chemical ending, classifying it as an organic compound. thus, the term's logic moves from a purely anatomical description of the gland's location to the specific biochemical substance it produces, which is central to the body's 'fight-or-flight' response.
Analysis
Structure: ad (near) + renal (kidney) + ine (chemical substance)
ad- (latin prefix, meaning 'to, near'); renal (from latin renalis, from renes meaning 'kidneys'); -ine (latin suffix, used to form names of chemical substances, especially alkaloids).
Examples
the sudden noise gave her a surge of adrenaline.
athletes often thrive on the adrenaline rush of competition.
the dangerous stunt was performed purely for the adrenaline.