Catecholamine

/ˌkætɪˈkoʊləmiːn/ noun

Definition

A type of chemical messenger in the body that includes dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine; these chemicals control mood, attention, and how your body responds to stress.

Etymology

From 'catechol' (the chemical compound) plus 'amine' (a type of organic compound containing nitrogen), combining to name a class of neurotransmitters that contain the catechol structure.

Kelly Says

Catecholamines are your body's emergency response team—when you're scared or excited, catecholamines flood your system to sharpen focus, boost heart rate, and prepare muscles for action, which is why adrenaline junkies literally become addicted to the rush.

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