adrenal gland

noun

: either of a pair of complex endocrine organs near the anterior medial border of the kidney consisting of a mesodermal cortex that produces glucocorticoid, mineralocorticoid, and androgenic hormones and an ectodermal medulla that produces epinephrine and norepinephrine

called also adrenal, suprarenal gland

Examples of adrenal gland in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Historically, doctors have removed the testes—the main source of the hormone—but today, pills and injections can suppress testosterone not just in the testes but in other organs that produce small amounts, such as the adrenal glands, as well. —Alice Park, Time, 19 May 2025

Though often associated with men, testosterone is a hormone that women also produce in small amounts in the ovaries and adrenal glands. —Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 18 Mar. 2025

Tip That Has Changed Their Lives Cortisol is a hormone synthesized from cholesterol that is produced by the adrenal glands. —Fiorella Valdesolo, TIME, 12 Mar. 2025

Research suggests that vitamin C may help maintain the adrenal gland, where most hormones are produced. —Kirstyn Hill, Pharmd, Mph, Health, 3 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for adrenal gland

• analysand
• misunderstand
• ampersand
• beforehand
• behindhand
• bottomland
• contraband
• countermand
• dixieland
• fairyland
• fatherland
• firebrand

Kids Definition

adrenal gland

noun

: either of a pair of endocrine glands that are located near the kidney and produce the hormone epinephrine

Medical Definition

adrenal gland

noun

: either of a pair of complex endocrine organs near the anterior medial border of the kidney consisting of a mesodermal cortex that produces glucocorticoid, mineralocorticoid, and androgenic hormones and an ectodermal medulla that produces epinephrine and norepinephrine

called also adrenal, suprarenal gland