pineal gland

American  

noun

1. a small, cone-shaped endocrine organ in the posterior forebrain, secreting melatonin and involved in biorhythms and gonadal development.

---

pineal gland British  

noun

1. Technical names: epiphysis, epiphysis cerebri. a pea-sized organ in the brain, situated beneath the posterior part of the corpus callosum, that secretes melatonin into the bloodstream

---

pineal gland Scientific  

1. A small gland located near the brain and primarily involved in the production and secretion of the hormone melatonin, which regulates circadian rhythms in many animals, including humans.

---

Etymology

Origin of pineal gland

First recorded in 1705–15

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

pineal gland

The researchers argue that its evolutionary remains survive today as the pineal gland, a small organ located deep within the vertebrate brain.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 26, 2026

But in the case of cysts of the pineal gland, there is a large amount of information on the web which prompts patients to seek surgery for minor and often unrelated symptoms.

From BBC ● Dec. 4, 2024

These supplements, including sugary gummies, typically offer much higher doses than what the pineal gland produces to help shift circadian rhythm to night mode.

From Scientific American ● May 5, 2023

Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone produced by the pineal gland, a small structure at the center of the brain.

From Washington Post ● Dec. 19, 2022

Descartes solved this problem as best he could by claiming that mind acted on the body through the pineal gland.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---