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

Key Takeaways Addison’s disease is a rare condition where the adrenal glands don't produce enough of certain hormones involved in the body's stress response and other important functions. —Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 31 Oct. 2024

In people with female reproductive systems, the ovaries and adrenal glands produce testosterone.1 Testosterone levels don't stay the same throughout your lifetime. —Wendy Wisner, Health, 29 Nov. 2024

Studies have shown that vitamin D supplements can help to improve bone health, brain health and immune function, among other benefits. DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone), a hormone produced in the adrenal gland, is another of his top picks. —Melissa Rudy, Fox News, 20 Nov. 2024

Addison’s disease is most often an autoimmune disease that happens when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the adrenal glands, which sit on top of your kidneys. —Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 31 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined above

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