n.
Variant: also epi · neph · rin
Pronunciation: ˌ e-p ə - ' ne-fr ə n
Function: noun
Etymology: International Scientific Vocabulary epi- + Greek nephros kidney ― more at NEPHRITIS
Date: 1899
: a colorless crystalline feebly basic sympathomimetic hormone C 9 H 13 NO 3 that is the principal blood-pressure raising hormone secreted by the adrenal medulla and is used medicinally especially as a heart stimulant, a vasoconstrictor in controlling hemorrhages of the skin, and a muscle relaxant in bronchial asthma ― called also adrenaline