1. Relating to nerve cells or fibers of the autonomic nervous system that employ norepinephrine as their neurotransmitter. Cf.:cholinergic. 2. Relating to drugs that mimic the actions of the sympathetic nervous system. See α-a. receptors, under receptor, β-a. receptors, under receptor. [adren- + G. ergon, work]
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ad·ren·er·gic .ad-rə-'nər-jik adj
1) liberating or activated by adrenaline or a substance like adrenaline <\adrenergic nerve fibers> compare CHOLINERGIC (1), NORADRENERGIC
2) resembling adrenaline esp. in physiological action <\adrenergic drugs>
ad·ren·er·gi·cal·ly -ji-k(ə-)lē adv
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adj.
1. describing nerve fibres that release noradrenaline as a neurotransmitter.
2. describing receptor at which noradrenaline acts to pass on messages from sympathetic nerves. Compare cholinergic.
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ad·ren·er·gic (ad″ren-urґjik) 1. activated by, characteristic of, or secreting epinephrine or related substances, particularly referring to the sympathetic nerve fibers that liberate norepinephrine at a synapse when a nerve impulse passes. See also under receptor. Cf. cholinergic and sympathomimetic. 2. an agent that produces such an effect.Medical dictionary. 2011.