pituitary gland

noun

: a small oval endocrine organ that is attached to the infundibulum of the brain, consists of an epithelial anterior lobe joined by an intermediate part to a posterior lobe of nervous origin, and produces various internal secretions directly or indirectly impinging on most basic body functions

called also hypophysis, pituitary body

see brain illustration

Examples of pituitary gland in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

It can be caused by adrenal tumors, long-term steroid use, or conditions affecting the pituitary gland (a gland in your brain that controls hormone production). —Brandi Jones, Health, 6 June 2025

Then, the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus can work together to regulate the endocrine system responsible for the body’s biological processes. —Tony Sanchez, Time, 25 Apr. 2025

He was diagnosed with several forms of cancer from 2015 onwards, the most serious of these a tumour located in his brain, close to his pituitary gland. —Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 24 Apr. 2025

This can occur due to the dysfunction of the pituitary gland or other underlying medical conditions. —Phuoc Anh (anne) Nguyen, Pharmd, Ms, Verywell Health, 17 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1707, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for pituitary gland

• ampersand
• beforehand
• behindhand
• bottomland
• contraband
• countermand
• dixieland
• fairyland
• fatherland
• firebrand
• hinterland
• motherland

Kids Definition

pituitary gland

noun

: a small oval endocrine organ located at the base of the brain that produces various hormones that regulate especially growth and reproduction

called also pituitary body

Medical Definition

pituitary gland

noun

: a small oval reddish gray very vascular endocrine organ that is attached to the infundibulum of the brain and occupies the sella turcica, that is present in all craniate vertebrates, that consists essentially of an epithelial anterior lobe derived from a diverticulum of the oral cavity and joined to a posterior lobe of nervous origin by a pars intermedia, and that has the several parts associated with various hormones which directly or indirectly affect most basic bodily functions and include substances exerting a controlling and regulating influence on other endocrine organs, controlling growth and development, or modifying the contraction of smooth muscle, renal function, and reproduction

called also hypophysis, pituitary body

see adenohypophysis, neurohypophysis