Agency Dictionary
pineal
adjectivePronunciation: /pɪˈniː.əl/
In Portuguese: pineal
Science & HealthWhat does “pineal” mean?
Relating to the pineal gland, a small endocrine organ in the brain that secretes melatonin.
Etymology
From French pinéal, from Latin pinea, meaning pine cone, itself derived from pīneus (of the pine) and pīnus (pine tree). The small gland at the center of the brain was named for its shape, which was thought to resemble a pine cone. The adjectival use in English follows the French anatomical vocabulary adopted in early modern medicine.
Usage note
The word has two accepted pronunciations in English: stress on the first syllable or on the second. In anatomical use it always refers to the pineal gland, the small organ that secretes melatonin.
Word family
- pineal gland
- pinealectomy
- pinealoma
Usage examples
You will lack the opportunity of exploring your pineal gland which is the organ responsible for the control of the circadian cycle of sleep and wakefulness by secreting melatonin.
Concept
Source editions
Where this entry comes from in the Agency editorial.
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