renalis

of the kidneys

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A startled adult woman encounters a fallen branch on a woodland path; small clean body inset highlights adrenal glands above kidneys and faster heartbeat, conveying stress hormone response.

noun

adrenaline

uh-DREN-uh-lin/əˈdrenəlɪn/

A hormone that prepares the body for urgent action.

Etymology

adLatinto, near

+renalLatinof the kidneys

+ineFrenchan ending used in substance names

The “near the kidneys” pieces identify the adrenal glands, while the chemical ending marks a substance associated with them. The hormone’s name thus points to its glandular source.

Full entry

Related word entries

adrenaline