pituitary

1 of 2

adjective

pi·​tu·​i·​tary pə-ˈtü-ə-ˌter-ē 

-ˈtyü-

1

: of or relating to the pituitary gland

2

: caused or characterized by secretory disturbances of the pituitary gland

pituitary dwarfism

pituitary

2 of 2

noun

plural pituitaries

: pituitary gland

Examples of pituitary in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

In one medical condition called Cushing Syndrome, cortisol levels become too high as a result of a non-cancerous tumor in the pituitary or adrenal glands, explains Dr. Isaacs. —Ashley Abramson, Allure, 17 July 2024

Olivia*, 30, was diagnosed with hypopituitarism at age 15, after having emergency surgery to remove a pituitary tumour which slightly compromised her pituitary gland. —Izzie Price, refinery29.com, 19 Mar. 2024

Noun

The pituitary sits in a small pocket of bone just under a central brain region called the hypothalamus. —Nicholas Wade, New York Times, 22 Feb. 2024

If thyroid hormone levels are too high, the pituitary makes little to no TSH. —Fran Kritz, Verywell Health, 16 Nov. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Latin pituita phlegm; from the former belief that the pituitary gland secreted phlegm — more at pip

First Known Use

Adjective

1778, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1845, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing pituitary

• pituitary gland

Kids Definition

pituitary

1 of 2 adjective

pi·​tu·​i·​tary pə-ˈt(y)ü-ə-ˌter-ē 

: of, relating to, or being the pituitary gland

pituitary

2 of 2 noun

plural pituitaries

: pituitary gland

Medical Definition

pituitary

1 of 2 adjective

pi·​tu·​i·​tary pə-ˈt(y)ü-ə-ˌter-ē 

1

: of or relating to the pituitary gland

2

: caused or characterized by secretory disturbances of the pituitary gland

a pituitary dwarf

pituitary

2 of 2 noun

plural pituitaries

1

: pituitary gland

2

: the cleaned, dried, and powdered posterior lobe of the pituitary gland of cattle that is used in the treatment of uterine atony and hemorrhage, shock, and intestinal paresis