amygdala

noun

amyg·​da·​la ə-ˈmig-də-lə How to pronounce amygdala (audio)
plural amygdalae ə-ˈmig-də-ˌlē How to pronounce amygdala (audio)
-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 These hormones, released during prolonged or acute stress, change brain regions such as the amygdala, which is activated by strong emotions, especially fear and distress. Maia Szalavitz, Scientific American, 17 Sep. 2024 When a mouse entered one of the chambers, researchers used light to activate neurons in its central amygdala until, after a few training sessions in each box, it was conditioned to associate that chamber with pain relief. Byphie Jacobs, science.org, 5 Sep. 2024 Stephen has done tremendous work in the field of flow neuroscience, even finding in his book, The Art of Impossible, that a daily gratitude practice can alter the brain’s negativity bias by changing the amygdala’s filter, essentially training it to take in more positive information. Chris Schembra, Rolling Stone, 5 Sep. 2024 This includes a region called the amygdala that’s been dubbed the home of fear or emotion. Lisa Feldman Barrett, Scientific American, 8 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for amygdala 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'amygdala.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, almond, from Greek amygdalē

First Known Use

1845, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of amygdala was in 1845

Dictionary Entries Near amygdala

Cite this Entry

“Amygdala.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/amygdala. Accessed 1 Oct. 2024.

Medical Definition

amygdala

noun
amyg·​da·​la ə-ˈmig-də-lə How to pronounce amygdala (audio)
plural amygdalae -ˌlē How to pronounce amygdala (audio) -ˌlī How to pronounce amygdala (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on amygdala

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