pituitary

views updated May 18 2018

pi·tu·i·tar·y / pəˈt(y)oōəˌterē/ • n. (pl. -tar·ies) (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.• adj. of or relating to this gland.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

pituitary

views updated May 29 2018

pituitary mucous. XVII. — L. pītuītārius, f. pītuīta mucus, gum; see -ARY.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

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pituitary

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