pituitary

1 of 2

adjective

pi·​tu·​i·​tary pə-ˈtü-ə-ˌter-ē How to pronounce pituitary (audio)
-ˈtyü-
1
: of or relating to the pituitary gland
2
: caused or characterized by secretory disturbances of the pituitary gland
pituitary dwarfism

pituitary

2 of 2

noun

plural pituitaries

Examples of pituitary in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Adjective
In one medical condition called Cushing Syndrome, cortisol levels become too high as a result of a non-cancerous tumor in the pituitary or adrenal glands, explains Dr. Isaacs. Ashley Abramson, Allure, 17 July 2024 Olivia*, 30, was diagnosed with hypopituitarism at age 15, after having emergency surgery to remove a pituitary tumour which slightly compromised her pituitary gland. Izzie Price, refinery29.com, 19 Mar. 2024
Noun
Treatment of a brain tumor with radiation can cause long-term damage to the pituitary. Rachel Gurevich, Parents, 30 July 2024 The pituitary sits in a small pocket of bone just under a central brain region called the hypothalamus. Nicholas Wade, New York Times, 22 Feb. 2024 See all Example Sentences for pituitary 

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Latin pituita phlegm; from the former belief that the pituitary gland secreted phlegm — more at pip

First Known Use

Adjective

1778, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1845, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pituitary was in 1778

Dictionary Entries Near pituitary

Cite this Entry

“Pituitary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pituitary. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

pituitary

1 of 2 adjective
pi·​tu·​i·​tary pə-ˈt(y)ü-ə-ˌter-ē How to pronounce pituitary (audio)
: of, relating to, or being the pituitary gland

pituitary

2 of 2 noun
plural pituitaries

Medical Definition

pituitary

1 of 2 adjective
pi·​tu·​i·​tary pə-ˈt(y)ü-ə-ˌter-ē How to pronounce pituitary (audio)
1
: of or relating to the pituitary gland
2
: caused or characterized by secretory disturbances of the pituitary gland
a pituitary dwarf

pituitary

2 of 2 noun
plural pituitaries
1
2
: the cleaned, dried, and powdered posterior lobe of the pituitary gland of cattle that is used in the treatment of uterine atony and hemorrhage, shock, and intestinal paresis

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