1. Any of a group of organic compounds (such as epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine) that function as neurotransmitters and hormones in the body.
Usage: technical; biochemistry/physiology term; usually used in plural or as a mass noun

Examples

• Catecholamines are released by the adrenal glands during the fight-or-flight response.
• Epinephrine and norepinephrine are the primary catecholamines involved in stress reactions.
• The doctor measured catecholamine levels to diagnose the patient's condition.
• Dopamine is a catecholamine that plays a crucial role in mood and movement.
• Certain medications work by affecting catecholamine activity in the brain.
• The sympathetic nervous system relies on catecholamines to increase heart rate and blood pressure.