adrenal gland

noun

: either of a pair of complex endocrine organs near the anterior medial border of the kidney consisting of a mesodermal cortex that produces glucocorticoid, mineralocorticoid, and androgenic hormones and an ectodermal medulla that produces epinephrine and norepinephrine

called also adrenal, suprarenal gland

Examples of adrenal gland in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web This then triggers the sympathetic nervous system, which prompts the release of hormones like cortisol via the adrenal glands. Georgia Day, Glamour, 8 Mar. 2024 This disease usually arises due to a tumor on the pituitary gland, which signals the adrenal gland to produce too much cortisol, or from a tumor on the adrenal gland itself. Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 29 Feb. 2024 Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that helps regulate your body's response to stress, according to Cleveland Clinic. Caitlin O'Kane, CBS News, 26 Feb. 2024 When someone has a tumor on their adrenal gland or pituitary gland, surgery is usually the only option for removing it and correcting cortisol production. Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 29 Feb. 2024 In response, the adrenal glands release more cortisol, the body's primary stress hormone. Meggen Harris, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2024 Brain cells involved in emotional processing fire rapidly, triggering the adrenal glands in the kidneys to release the stress hormone cortisol. Jocelyn Solis-Moreira, Scientific American, 16 Feb. 2024 The films on this list feature some of the best actors of this generation and beyond, and are designed to flirt with the senses and entice viewers' adrenal glands, regardless of the season. EW.com, 18 Jan. 2024 That early treatment can include surgically removing the tumor or the entire affected adrenal gland, according to Brian Lane, MD, PhD, director of urologic oncology at Corewell Health. Korin Miller, Health, 15 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'adrenal gland.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of adrenal gland was in 1875

Dictionary Entries Near adrenal gland

Cite this Entry

“Adrenal gland.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adrenal%20gland. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

adrenal gland

noun
: either of a pair of endocrine glands that are located near the kidney and produce the hormone epinephrine

Medical Definition

adrenal gland

noun
: either of a pair of complex endocrine organs near the anterior medial border of the kidney consisting of a mesodermal cortex that produces glucocorticoid, mineralocorticoid, and androgenic hormones and an ectodermal medulla that produces epinephrine and norepinephrine

called also adrenal, suprarenal gland

More from Merriam-Webster on adrenal gland

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