pituitary Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the master gland of the endocrine system; located at the base of the brain
    pituitary gland; pituitary body; hypophysis.
  2. adjective of or relating to the pituitary gland
    • pituitary hormone

WordNet

Pi*tu"i*ta*ry adjective
Etymology
L. pituita phlegm, pituite: cf. F. pituitarie.
Definitions
  1. (Anat.) (a) Secreting mucus or phlegm; as, the pituitary membrane, or the mucous membrane which lines the nasal cavities. (b) Of or pertaining to the pituitary body; as, the pituitary fossa. glandula pituitaria, basilaris. Suspended from the base of the hypothalamus. secretes pituitary hormones: oxytocin, antidiuretic hormone; somatotropins, prolactin, thyroid stimulating hormone, gonadotropins, adrenal corticotropin and other peptide hormones. Called the "master gland"

Webster 1913