Adrenaline is a term that is often used in the context of extreme sports, thrilling experiences, and high-stress situations. It is a hormone that is produced by the adrenal glands in response to stress or danger, and it plays a vital role in the body’s “fight or flight” response. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of adrenaline, its origin, and its associations.
Definitions
Adrenaline, also known as epinephrine, is a hormone that is produced by the adrenal glands in response to stress or danger. It is a neurotransmitter that helps to prepare the body for the “fight or flight” response, which is the body’s natural response to stress or danger.
Origin
The word “adrenaline” comes from the Latin word “ad-,” meaning “near,” and “renes,” meaning “kidneys.” This is because adrenaline is produced by the adrenal glands, which are located near the kidneys.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, adrenaline is defined as “a hormone that is secreted by the adrenal medulla in response to stress and increases heart rate, blood pressure, and carbohydrate metabolism.”
The Oxford English Dictionary defines adrenaline as “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.”
Associations
Adrenaline is often associated with extreme sports, thrilling experiences, and high-stress situations. It is also associated with the body’s “fight or flight” response, which is the body’s natural response to stress or danger.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of adrenaline include epinephrine, adrenalin, and suprarenin.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms of adrenaline, as it is a hormone that is produced naturally by the body in response to stress or danger.
The same root words
The same root words as adrenaline include adrenal, which refers to the adrenal glands, and renin, which is an enzyme that is produced by the kidneys.
Example Sentences
- When I went bungee jumping, my adrenaline was pumping so hard that I could feel my heart racing.
- The athlete’s adrenaline kicked in as she approached the finish line, giving her the energy she needed to cross it.
- In high-stress situations, the body releases adrenaline to help prepare for the fight or flight response.