definitions

adrenal gland

noun Anatomy.

one of a pair of ductless glands, located above the kidneys, consisting of a cortex, which produces steroidal hormones, and a medulla, which produces epinephrine and norepinephrine.

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Nearby words

adrastus, adren-, adrenal, adrenal cortex, adrenal crisis, adrenal gland, adrenal glands, adrenal hypertension, adrenal insufficiency, adrenal medulla, adrenal rest

Origin of adrenal gland

First recorded in 1870–75
Also called suprarenal gland.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for adrenal glands

adrenal gland

noun

an endocrine gland at the anterior end of each kidney. Its medulla secretes adrenaline and noradrenaline and its cortex secretes several steroid hormonesAlso called: suprarenal gland
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medicine definitions for adrenal glands

adrenal gland

n.

Either of two small, dissimilarly shaped endocrine glands, one located above each kidney, consisting of the cortex, which secretes several steroid hormones, and the medulla, which secretes epinephrine.epinephros paranephros suprarenal gland
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.

Science definitions for adrenal glands

adrenal gland

[ ə-drē′nəl ]

Either of two small endocrine glands, one located above each kidney. The outer portion, or cortex, secretes steroid hormones (corticosteroids). The inner portion, or medulla, secretes epinephrine and norepinephrine.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Culture definitions for adrenal glands

adrenal glands

[ (uh-dreen-l) ]

Two small glands, one located near the upper part of each kidney, that function in the endocrine system. Part of each adrenal gland secretes adrenaline; another part secretes other important hormones.

The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.