epinephrine
UK[ˌep.ɪˈnef.rɪn]US[ˌep.əˈnef.rɪn]
n
a hormone secreted by the adrenal glands, especially in conditions of stress, increasing rates of blood circulation, breathing, and carbohydrate metabolism and preparing muscles for exertion.
n
a synthetic form of this hormone used as a drug, especially to treat severe allergic reactions.
Morpheme Breakdown
epi
nephr
ine
epi
upon, above, near
nephr
kidney
ine
Etymology
the word 'epinephrine' is a modern scientific compound, constructed directly from greek roots to describe the hormone's anatomical origin. the prefix 'epi-' (upon) is combined with 'nephros' (kidney), literally meaning 'upon the kidney', which precisely locates the adrenal glands that sit atop the kidneys. the suffix '-ine', common in chemistry for naming organic compounds and alkaloids, was added to standardize its nomenclature as a biochemical substance. thus, the term's literal meaning, 'substance from upon the kidney', elegantly captures its physiological source before its function as a stress hormone and neurotransmitter was fully understood.
Analysis
Structure: epi + nephr + ine
epi - from greek, meaning 'upon, above, near'.
nephr - from greek 'nephros', meaning 'kidney'.
ine - a chemical suffix used to form names of substances, especially alkaloids and hormones.
Examples
the emergency kit contained a pre-filled syringe of epinephrine for anaphylactic shock.
during the frightening encounter, her body released a surge of epinephrine, heightening her senses.
the doctor explained that epinephrine acts quickly to constrict blood vessels and relax airway muscles.