adrenal gland
noun Anatomy.
one of a pair of ductless glands, located above the kidneys, consisting of a cortex, which produces steroidal hormones, and a medulla, which produces epinephrine and norepinephrine.
Also called
suprarenal gland.
Origin of adrenal gland
First recorded in 1870–75
Words nearby adrenal gland
adrastus,
adren-,
adrenal,
adrenal cortex,
adrenal crisis,
adrenal gland,
adrenal glands,
adrenal hypertension,
adrenal insufficiency,
adrenal medulla,
adrenal rest
British Dictionary definitions for adrenal glands
adrenal gland
noun
an endocrine gland at the anterior end of each kidney. Its medulla secretes adrenaline and noradrenaline and its cortex secretes several steroid hormones
Also called: suprarenal gland
Medical definitions for adrenal glands
adrenal gland
n.
Either of two small, dissimilarly shaped endocrine glands, one located above each kidney, consisting of the cortex, which secretes several steroid hormones, and the medulla, which secretes epinephrine.
epinephros paranephros suprarenal gland
Scientific definitions for adrenal glands
adrenal gland
[ ə-drē′nəl ]
Either of two small endocrine glands, one located above each kidney. The outer portion, or cortex, secretes steroid hormones (corticosteroids). The inner portion, or medulla, secretes epinephrine and norepinephrine.
Cultural definitions for adrenal glands
adrenal glands
[ (uh-dreen-l) ]
Two small glands, one located near the upper part of each kidney, that function in the endocrine system. Part of each adrenal gland secretes adrenaline; another part secretes other important hormones.