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

Joseph and a team of technicians found that Honnold’s amygdala showed little activity in reaction to images that would typically trigger fear and stress reactions. —Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 30 Jan. 2026

Honnold, who has been a pro solo climber for 30 years and who has also made headlines for his remarkably unresponsive amygdala, said the point of the spectacle is its inherent danger. —Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 18 Jan. 2026

The amygdala becomes hypervigilant. —Rabbi Bruce D. Forman, Sun Sentinel, 13 Jan. 2026

One striking finding is altruistic kidney donors tend to have a larger amygdala, a part of the brain critical to processing emotions. —Cristina Quinn, Washington Post, 8 Jan. 2026

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