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1

endocrine

adjective en·do·crine \ ˈen-də-krən , -ˌkrīn , -ˌkrēn \

Definition of endocrine

1 :secreting internally; specifically :producing secretions that are distributed in the body by way of the bloodstream

hormones produced by the endocrine system

2 :of, relating to, affecting, or resembling an endocrine gland or secretion

endocrine tumors

See endocrine defined for kids

Recent Examples of endocrine from the Web

According to the National Institutes of Health, these chemicals are believed to be endocrine disruptors, able to interfere with the body's hormonal system.

— nadia kounang, CNN, "What chemicals are in your mac and cheese?," 15 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'endocrine.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Did You Know?

The body's glands remove specific substances from the blood and alter them for rerelease into the blood or removal. Glands such as those that produce saliva and sweat secrete their products through tiny ducts or tubes on or near the body's surface. The glands without ducts, called the endocrine glands, instead secrete their products into the bloodstream; the endo- root indicates that the secretions are internal rather than on the surface. The endocrine system includes such glands as the pituitary (which controls growth, regulates the other endocrines, and performs many other tasks), the thyroid (another growth gland that also influences metabolism), the adrenals (which secrete adrenaline and steroids), the hypothalamus (which influences sleep and weight regulation), and the ovaries (which produce eggs). Endocrine problems are treated by endocrinologists.

Origin and Etymology of endocrine

International Scientific Vocabulary end- + Greek krinein to separate — more at certain

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1914

See Words from the same year

Other Physiology Terms

eructation, flux, gustatory, menarche, myopia, senescence, torpor

2

endocrine

noun

Definition of endocrine

1 :hormone 1

2 :endocrine gland

Recent Examples of endocrine from the Web

For more than 20 years, researchers have fretted about the effects of endocrine disruptors, molecules that meddle with the body's hormones.

— mitch leslie, Science | AAAS, "Something is changing the sex of Costa Rican crocodiles," 30 Aug. 2017
Among the potential culprits are obesity rates, smoking, endocrine disrupting chemicals found in pesticides and fire retardants as well as factors like stress.

— jason daley, Smithsonian, "Yes, Sperm Counts Have Been Steadily Declining—But Don’t Freeze Your Sperm Yet," 26 July 2017
Exposure to chemicals that can change hormone levels, known as endocrine disrupters, are among the issues being studied.

— the washington post, OregonLive.com, "Sperm concentration has declined 50 percent in 40 years," 25 July 2017
Taken over time, nettle will strengthen your circulatory, immune, and endocrine systems to promote peak function.

— christine buckley, Bon Appetit, "How to Swap Exotic Superfoods for the Local Stuff," 19 July 2017
Endocrine nuggets describe the dish better, but that probably wouldn’t inspire many diners to order it.

— andy staples, SI.com, "Where to eat, drink in Chicago," 30 June 2017
Beer is full of gluten and pesticides—both of which are endocrine disruptors.

— lauren alexis fisher, Harper's BAZAAR, "The PCOS Treatment Doctors Don't Tell You About," 28 June 2017
Health issues that may seem like anxiety can be cardiac, endocrine, GI-related, inflammatory, metabolic, neurological, and respiratory.

— korin miller, SELF, "47 Underlying Illnesses That Can Seem Like Anxiety," 27 June 2017
The group explained that triclosan and triclocarban are endocrine disruptors that may affect hormone cycles and development.

— ariana eunjung cha, chicagotribune.com, "200 scientists call for new restrictions on antimicrobial chemicals in personal-care products," 20 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'endocrine.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of endocrine

1922

Other Physiology Terms

eructation, flux, gustatory, menarche, myopia, senescence, torpor

Medical Dictionary

1

endocrine

adjective en·do·crine \ ˈen-də-krən , -ˌkrīn , -ˌkrēn \

medical Definition of endocrine

1 :secreting internally; specifically :producing secretions that are distributed in the body by way of the bloodstream

an endocrine organ

2 :of, relating to, affecting, or resembling an endocrine gland or secretion

endocrine tumors

2

endocrine

noun

medical Definition of endocrine

1 :hormone 1a

2 :endocrine gland

Learn More about endocrine

See words that rhyme with endocrine Spanish Central: Translation of endocrine Nglish: Translation of endocrine for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of endocrine for Arabic speakers

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