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

In 2021, however, he was diagnosed with metastatic pheochromocytoma, a rare form of adrenal gland cancer, which eventually spread to his spine and lungs. —Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 24 Mar. 2026

The communication system between the brain and adrenal glands needs support, which is a different conversation than simply logging more hours in bed. —Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 20 Mar. 2026

The pit of the adrenal gland is the adrenal medulla. —Caitlin Pagán, Verywell Health, 3 Mar. 2026

Enzymes convert cholesterol into cortisol, which is discharged from the outer layer of the adrenal glands, to sharpen alertness. —Sally Jenkins, The Atlantic, 21 Feb. 2026

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