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 a word like this every day

Meet one new word every morning.

Newspoken pulls one carefully chosen word from the day’s news — with a clear definition, context, and light review that makes it stick. Get it on your phone.

Not for marketing. One email on launch day.