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

Birth control methods that contain estrogen and or progestin prevent ovulation by blocking the release of FSH and LH from the pituitary gland.5 Thickening the Cervical Mucus Some forms of birth control can thicken the mucus around your cervix. —Femi Aremu, Verywell Health, 30 Apr. 2025

Surgery is commonly used for certain endocrine disorders, such as problems with the adrenal, pituitary, parathyroid, and thyroid glands.32333122 Lifestyle Changes Lifestyle approaches may help improve symptoms for many endocrine disorders. —Sarah Bradley, Health, 24 Mar. 2025

Noun

Treatment of a brain tumor with radiation can cause long-term damage to the pituitary. —Rachel Gurevich, Parents, 30 July 2024

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

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

Rhymes for pituitary

• accretionary
• apothecary
• bicentenary
• certiorari
• concessionary
• concretionary
• confectionary
• confectionery
• constabulary
• contemporary
• deflationary
• depositary

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