amygdala

noun

amyg·​da·​la ə-ˈmig-də-lə 

plural amygdalae ə-ˈmig-də-ˌlē 

-ˌlī

: the one of the four basal ganglia in each cerebral hemisphere that is part of the limbic system and consists of an almond-shaped mass of gray matter in the anterior extremity of the temporal lobe

called also amygdaloid nucleus

Examples of amygdala in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Our amygdala is overactive, our nervous systems are fried and our dopamine cycles are hijacked by short-term stimuli. —Chris Schembra, Rolling Stone, 22 Oct. 2025

Yet neuroscience shows us that perception is biased, emotions hijack reasoning, and threat‑detection systems, like the amygdala, can overreact. —Big Think, 18 Oct. 2025

The hippocampus, neocortex, and amygdala all work to keep these episodic memories stored. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 24 Sep. 2025

To the amygdala, a violent video watched in your bedroom can feel like a violent event is happening in your bedroom. —Robyn Koslowitz, Parents, 19 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, almond, from Greek amygdalē

First Known Use

1845, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for amygdala

• areola
• allah
• bala
• cala
• cholla
• mala
• sala
• scala
• cabala
• corolla
• impala
• kabbalah

Medical Definition

amygdala

noun

amyg·​da·​la ə-ˈmig-də-lə 

plural amygdalae -ˌlē  -ˌlī 

: the one of the four basal ganglia in each cerebral hemisphere that is part of the limbic system and consists of an almond-shaped mass of gray matter in the roof of the lateral ventricle

called also amygdaloid body, amygdaloid nucleus