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
Marsh's early research found the size of their right amygdala — a region in the brain that processes emotions — to be larger than average, suggesting a greater capacity for empathy.
—
Stephanie O'Neill, NPR, 26 Dec. 2024
These experiments have found that subconscious presentation activates emotion regulation circuits and regions, including the amygdala, where unconscious fear memories are thought to be stored.
—Simon Makin, Scientific American, 28 Oct. 2024
This second route, the one Patient X was using to recognize emotions, goes directly to the lower part of the brain (to the amygdala).
—Kevin Kruse, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
Feeling overwhelmed or fearful of the future triggers the amygdala, the brain's alarm system, which can hijack logical thinking and decision-making.
—Sahar Andrade, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024
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.
Stephanie O'Neill, NPR, 26 Dec. 2024
These experiments have found that subconscious presentation activates emotion regulation circuits and regions, including the amygdala, where unconscious fear memories are thought to be stored.
—Simon Makin, Scientific American, 28 Oct. 2024
This second route, the one Patient X was using to recognize emotions, goes directly to the lower part of the brain (to the amygdala).
—Kevin Kruse, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
Feeling overwhelmed or fearful of the future triggers the amygdala, the brain's alarm system, which can hijack logical thinking and decision-making.
—Sahar Andrade, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for amygdala
Dictionary Entries Near amygdala
Cite this Entry
“Amygdala.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/amygdala. Accessed 10 Jan. 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