Adrenine

/ˈædrənɪn/ noun

Definition

An older term for the hormone adrenaline, which your body releases when you're scared or excited to help you react quickly.

Etymology

From Latin 'ad-' (to) + 'ren-' (kidney) + chemical suffix '-ine'. The term reflects that adrenaline is produced by glands sitting on top of the kidneys, called adrenal glands.

Kelly Says

Scientists originally called it 'adrenine' because they found it in the adrenal glands, but they later standardized the name to 'adrenaline'—showing how scientific terminology evolves as knowledge becomes more organized.

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