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

Stressful situations trigger the adrenal glands to release our fight-or-flight hormones, called catecholamines. —Kameryn Griesser, CNN Money, 7 June 2025

Adrenal Gland Disorders The adrenal glands are small organs on top of each kidney. —Brandi Jones, Health, 6 June 2025

When someone encounters a threat, the sympathetic nervous system stimulates the adrenal glands to release the stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol. —Angela Ryan Lee, Verywell Health, 28 May 2025

Cortisol is best known as the hormone that’s released by the body’s adrenal glands in times of stress. —Paul McClure 24, New Atlas, 24 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for adrenal gland

• analysand
• misunderstand
• ampersand
• beforehand
• behindhand
• bottomland
• contraband
• countermand
• dixieland
• fairyland
• fatherland
• firebrand

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