EPINEPHRINE

[epi.neph.rine] also epi.neph.rin n [ISV epi- + Gk nephros kidney--more at nephritis] (1899): a colorless crystalline feebly basic sympathomimetic hormone that is the principal blood-pressure raising hormone secreted by the adrenal medulla and is used medicinally esp. as a heart stimulant, a vasoconstrictor in controlling hemorrhages of the skin, and a muscle relaxant in bronchial asthma--called also adrenaline