amygdala
noun
amyg·da·la
ə-ˈmig-də-lə 
plural amygdalae
ə-ˈmig-də-ˌlē
-ˌlī
: the one of the four basal ganglia in each cerebral hemisphere that is part of the limbic system and consists of an almond-shaped mass of gray matter in the anterior extremity of the temporal lobe
called also amygdaloid nucleus
Examples of amygdala in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In the face of a threat, the amygdala sends out a distress signal that activates the sympathetic nervous system and sends adrenaline surging through your body.
—
Shani Harmon, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
In the amygdala, calcium-dependent SK2 channels help regulate neuronal activity.
—Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 7 Feb. 2025
When people are feeling anxious, scared, or angry, the principles of tapping theorize that the practice calms the amygdala, the part of the brain that controls those emotions.
—Mankaprr Conteh, Rolling Stone, 25 Jan. 2025
When faced with uncertainty, the amygdala—the part of the brain responsible for detecting threats—triggers a fight-or-flight response.
—Tess Brigham, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for amygdala
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Shani Harmon, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
In the amygdala, calcium-dependent SK2 channels help regulate neuronal activity.
—Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 7 Feb. 2025
When people are feeling anxious, scared, or angry, the principles of tapping theorize that the practice calms the amygdala, the part of the brain that controls those emotions.
—Mankaprr Conteh, Rolling Stone, 25 Jan. 2025
When faced with uncertainty, the amygdala—the part of the brain responsible for detecting threats—triggers a fight-or-flight response.
—Tess Brigham, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for amygdala
Cite this Entry
“Amygdala.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/amygdala. Accessed 1 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
amygdala
noun
amyg·da·la
ə-ˈmig-də-lə
: the one of the four basal ganglia in each cerebral hemisphere that is part of the limbic system and consists of an almond-shaped mass of gray matter in the roof of the lateral ventricle
called also amygdaloid body, amygdaloid nucleus
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share