pineal gland
noun
a small, cone-shaped endocrine organ in the posterior forebrain, secreting melatonin and involved in biorhythms and gonadal development.
Also called
epiphysis.
Origin of pineal gland
First recorded in 1705–15
Words nearby pineal gland
pine warbler,
pineal,
pineal apparatus,
pineal body,
pineal eye,
pineal gland,
pineal stalk,
pinealectomy,
pinealocyte,
pinealoma,
pineapple
British Dictionary definitions for pineal gland
pineal gland
pineal body
noun
a pea-sized organ in the brain, situated beneath the posterior part of the corpus callosum, that secretes melatonin into the bloodstream
Technical names: epiphysis, epiphysis cerebri
Medical definitions for pineal gland
pineal gland
n.
pineal body
Scientific definitions for pineal gland
pineal gland
A small gland located near the brain and primarily involved in the production and secretion of the hormone melatonin, which regulates circadian rhythms in many animals, including humans.