endocrine
Americanadjective
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secreting internally into the blood or lymph.
-
of or relating to an endocrine gland or its secretion.
noun
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an internal secretion; hormone.
adjective
noun
Etymology
Origin of endocrine
1910–15; endo- + -crine < Greek krī́nein to separate
Explanation
The adjective endocrine describes the glands in your body that secrete hormones into your blood. The hormones released by your endocrine glands have an effect on almost every function of your body. Endocrine can refer to the glands in your body — called endocrine glands — and it also can describe the larger system that includes your glands and your hormones, called the endocrine system. The endocrine system is responsible for lots of functions, including regulating growth, metabolism, and even your mood. So the next time you’re in a really good mood, thank your endocrine secretions.
Vocabulary lists containing endocrine
Life Science: Human Systems
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STAAR Biology: Biological Processes and Systems
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Life Science II
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Scientists are increasingly recognizing that adipose tissue acts as a complex endocrine organ that communicates with the brain, liver, muscles, and immune system through hormones and signaling molecules.
From Science Daily • May 8, 2026
"They were focused on male endocrine health, not sexuality or identity."
From BBC • Apr. 24, 2026
These chemicals, Mr. Paxton says, “may be associated with endocrine disruption, infertility, cancer, and other health issues.”
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026
Many of them have been linked to endocrine disruption, neurological disorders, immune system suppression and even cancer.
From Salon • Apr. 11, 2026
His endocrine system was now going fully haywire.
From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
