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
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 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pituitary.' 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

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 5 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

More from Merriam-Webster on pituitary

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!