adrenergic

adjective

ad·​ren·​er·​gic ˌa-drə-ˈnər-jik 

1

: liberating, activated by, or involving adrenaline or a substance like adrenaline

an adrenergic nerve

2

: resembling adrenaline especially in physiological action

adrenergic drugs

adrenergically

ˌa-drə-ˈnər-ji-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of adrenergic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For instance, cholinergic nerves [which release a chemical signal called acetylcholine] powerfully drive colon cancer, but those same nerves slow down pancreatic cancer, which is driven by adrenergic nerves [which release adrenaline]. — Ingrid Wickelgren, Scientific American, 14 Feb. 2025

Currently, non-stimulant options are limited to mainly norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors or alpha-2 adrenergic agonists. — New Atlas, 18 Sep. 2024

That inhibition in other areas of the body may be due to SSRIs potentially restricting blood flow by binding to alpha-1 adrenergic receptors, which are found in blood vessels in the skin, brain and more. — Kristen Rogers, CNN, 21 Mar. 2024

In response to neurotransmitters such as adrenaline, adrenergic receptors help to heighten awareness and vitality. — Sponsored Content, The Mercury News, 19 Jan. 2024

Kratom may interact with the brain’s serotonin receptors and adrenergic receptors, which control our fight-or-flight reflexes. — Helen Freund and Kirby Wilson, Sun Sentinel, 6 Mar. 2023

These medications block aspects of the adrenergic system, thus targeting specific mechanisms that alleviate PTSD symptoms. — Neuroskeptic, Discover Magazine, 26 Apr. 2017

Word History

Etymology

adren- + -ergic

First Known Use

1934, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing adrenergic

• alpha-adrenergic
• beta-adrenergic

Rhymes for adrenergic

• dopaminergic

Medical Definition

adrenergic

adjective

ad·​ren·​er·​gic ˌad-rə-ˈnər-jik 

1

: liberating or activated by adrenaline or a substance like adrenaline

adrenergic nerve fibers

compare cholinergic sense 1, noradrenergic

2

: resembling adrenaline especially in physiological action

adrenergic drugs

adrenergically

-ji-k(ə-)lē 

adverb