pituitary

/pɪˈtjuːɪt(ə)ɹi/

pituitary

English Adj Top 36,597

Definition

Of or relating to the pituitary gland.

Etymology

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.