How to pronounce

adrenaline

American Pronunciation: In American English, "adrenaline" is pronounced as /əˈdrɛnəlɪn/. It has four syllables, with the stress on the second syllable: uh-DREN-uh-lin. The "uh" is a very soft and short sound, "DREN" is emphasized and rhymes with "hen," "uh" in the third syllable is soft, and "lin" resembles "lin" in "linen."
British Pronunciation: In British English, "adrenaline" is also pronounced as /əˈdrɛnəlɪn/. The pronunciation is similar to the American version, but with potentially clearer articulation of the vowels and the final "n" may be slightly crisper.

Definition of

adrenaline

Adrenaline (noun) is a hormone produced by the body in response to stress or danger, causing increased heart rate, heightened alertness, and a surge of energy. It is often referred to as the "fight or flight" hormone.

Example 1: The rush of adrenaline helped the athlete push through the race and finish first.
Example 2: My heart was pounding with adrenaline as I stood on the edge of the cliff, ready to bungee jump.
Example 3: The rollercoaster ride was full of twists and turns that left me with a burst of adrenaline.
Example 4: The firefighters were pumped with adrenaline as they ran into the burning building to save the trapped victims.
Example 5: The comedian thrived off the adrenaline from the audience's laughter during his stand-up performance.

What does it mean

adrenaline

The term "adrenaline" is derived from the Latin "adrenalis," which means "pertaining to the kidneys," from "ad-" (near) and "renes" (kidneys). The suffix "-ine" was added to indicate the chemical nature of the substance when it was isolated and identified. The term reflects the biological source of the hormone (the adrenal glands, situated near the kidneys) and its chemical identity, highlighting its central role in stress and metabolic responses in the body.

Frequently asked questions

How do you say adrenaline correctly?

To pronounce adrenaline correctly, break it down into four syllables: uh-DREN-uh-lin. You can practice by listening to native speakers and using pronunciation tools like Pronounce AI. Repeating the word several times and recording yourself with getpronounce.com helps you self-correct and improve accuracy.

What are some synonyms for adrenaline?

Some synonyms for adrenaline include epinephrine, the fight-or-flight hormone, and adrenalin (an older form). The best synonym depends on your context, whether you're discussing biology or describing an exciting, energizing feeling.

Are there alternative pronunciations of adrenaline?

Yes, adrenaline may be pronounced differently depending on regional dialects. For instance, you might hear it as ah-DREN-uh-leen in some areas, while others might say eh-DREN-ah-lin. Both versions are understood by native speakers.