HealthJuly 10, 2026

noradrenaline

/ˌnɔːr.æd.rəˈnæl.ɪn/

Definition

A neurotransmitter and hormone, also known as norepinephrine, that functions as a key chemical messenger in the body's stress response system.

Etymology

The word is derived from the Latin 'nor-' (a chemical prefix denoting a demethylated compound) combined with 'adrenaline', which itself comes from Latin 'ad-' (to) and 'renes' (kidneys), referring to the hormone's production in the adrenal glands.

In the news

The article references noradrenaline in the context of physiological stress responses, highlighting how heat stress can affect the body's neurochemical balance. This helps explain the underlying biological mechanisms that may link extreme heat exposure to mental health challenges.

Mental health hospitalizations associated with sustained extreme heat in multiple countries

Read the full article ↗

Nature

Related words

Learn words like this every day

Meet new words every morning.

Newspoken pulls carefully chosen words from the day’s news — with clear definitions, context, and light review that makes them stick. Get it on your phone.