pituitary

American  

[pi-too-i-ter-ee, -tyoo-] / pɪˈtu ɪˌtɛr i, -ˈtyu- /

noun

plural

pituitaries

1. pituitary gland.

2. Pharmacology. the extract obtained from the lobes of the pituitary glands of hogs, sheep, and other domestic animals: the posterior lobe constituent increases blood pressure, contracts stomach muscles, etc., and the anterior lobe constituent regulates growth of the skeleton.

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adjective

1. of, relating to, or involving the pituitary gland.

2. noting a physical type of abnormal size with overgrown extremities resulting from excessive pituitary secretion.

pituitary British  

/ -trɪ, pɪˈtjuːɪtərɪ /

noun

1. See pituitary gland pituitary extract

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adjective

1. of or relating to the pituitary gland

2. archaic of or relating to phlegm or mucus

Other Word Forms

• postpituitary adjective
• prepituitary adjective

Etymology

Origin of pituitary

First recorded in 1605–15, pituitary is from the Latin word pītuītārius pertaining to or secreting phlegm. See pip ², -ary

Example Sentences

The reviewers were particularly concerned with the compound’s potential to harm pregnant women and children, as well as its effect on the pituitary gland.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 4, 2024

He said a non-cancerous tumour had been found on his pituitary gland in his brain.

From BBC • Aug. 13, 2024

There he became interested in a leading problem of the day — that of how the brain controls the pituitary gland, the maestro organ that cues production of the body’s other major glands.

From New York Times • Feb. 22, 2024

He finally was diagnosed with a tumor on the pituitary gland in his brain.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 5, 2024

Spoke of those gradually increasing doses of pituitary administered during the final ninety-six metres of their course.

From "Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley