amygdala

noun

amyg·​da·​la ə-ˈmig-də-lə 

plural amygdalae ə-ˈmig-də-ˌlē 

-ˌlī

: the one of the four basal ganglia in each cerebral hemisphere that is part of the limbic system and consists of an almond-shaped mass of gray matter in the anterior extremity of the temporal lobe

called also amygdaloid nucleus

Examples of amygdala in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

On the other hand, the study found that the brains of autistic children had higher neuron density in the amygdala. —Alison Escalante, Forbes, 11 Oct. 2024

When your brain takes in other senses like sight and hearing, that information first passes through the thalamus (its sensory processing center), meaning smell takes a quicker route straight to the amygdala and hippocampus. —Lauren Mazzo, SELF, 8 Oct. 2024

Certain centers in the brain—like the hippocampus, amygdala, and hypothalamus—control memory, arousal, and brain reward. —Joy Emeh, Health, 2 Oct. 2024

Overactivity in the amygdala is often linked to anxiety and emotional overreactions. —Quora, Forbes, 6 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, almond, from Greek amygdalē

First Known Use

1845, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

amygdala

noun

amyg·​da·​la ə-ˈmig-də-lə 

plural amygdalae -ˌlē  -ˌlī 

: the one of the four basal ganglia in each cerebral hemisphere that is part of the limbic system and consists of an almond-shaped mass of gray matter in the roof of the lateral ventricle

called also amygdaloid body, amygdaloid nucleus