English

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Etymology

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1610s, from Latin pītuītārius (mucous), from pītuīta (clammy moisture, phlegm, mucus, slime), possibly from Proto-Indo-European *peyH- (to be fat, swell). Taken as the name for the gland because it was believed that it channeled mucus to the nose. As a noun by 1899.

Pronunciation

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  • (UK) IPA(key): /pɪˈtjuːɪt(ə)ɹi/, /pɪˈt͡ʃuːɪt(ə)ɹi/
  • (US) IPA(key): /pɪˈtuɪˌtɛɹi/

Adjective

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pituitary (not comparable)

  1. (anatomy) Of or relating to the pituitary gland.
  2. Mucous.
    Synonyms: pituital, pituitous

Derived terms

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Translations

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Noun

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pituitary (plural pituitaries)

  1. (anatomy) The pituitary gland.
  2. (anatomy) The pituitary gland together with the pituitary stalk.
  3. (medicine) An extract from the pituitary gland.

Synonyms

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Derived terms

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Translations

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