Adrenochrome Meaning and Definition
Adrenochrome
Pronunciation
/ˌædrəˈkrōm/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A chemical compound found in the adrenal glands of mammals, derived from the oxidation of adrenaline, also known as epinephrine or epinephrине.
Examples
- Adrenochrome is a key compound in the chemistry of stress response.
- It has been proposed as a possible treatment for various neurodegenerative disorders.
Synonyms
- Adrenaline
- Epinephrine
Antonyms
- Relaxation
- Calmness
Etymology
The term “Adrenochrome” was coined by psychiatrist Hans Selye in the 1950s, from the Greek words “adren” meaning “adrenal gland” and “chroma” meaning “color”.
Usage Notes
Adrenochrome is typically used in scientific or medical contexts to describe the chemical compound extracted from the adrenal glands.
Cultural References
Adrenochrome has been featured in various science fiction and horror stories, often symbolizing the darker aspects of human nature.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Related Words or Phrases
Adrenaline, epinephrine, stress response, flight-or-fight response
Collocations
with stress, due to anxiety, during extreme physical exertion
Frequency of Use
Rarely used outside of scientific or medical contexts, but gaining increased attention in recent years due to its potential applications in medicine and research.
Common Misspellings
Adrenocrome, Adrenaline