Subscriber login


Forgot your password?

Library card login

Other

pituitary

Syllabification: (pi·tu·i·tar·y)

Translate pituitary | into Italian
Definition of pituitary

noun (plural pituitaries)

(in full pituitary gland or pituitary body)
  • the major endocrine gland. A pea-sized body attached to the base of the brain, the pituitary is important in controlling growth and development and the functioning of the other endocrine glands. Also called hypophysis.

adjective

  • relating to the pituitary gland.

Origin:

early 17th century: from Latin pituitarius 'secreting phlegm', from pituita 'phlegm'

pituitary in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of pituitary in the British & World English dictionary