Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Relating to endocrine glands or their secretions: Describes anything pertaining to glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream or the hormones they produce.
   • Internal secretion: Pertaining to a system of internal chemical communication and regulation.

2. Noun:

   • Endocrine gland: Any of the ductless glands of the endocrine system that synthesize and release hormones into the circulatory system.
   • Hormone: The secretion (hormone) produced by an endocrine gland, which is carried by the blood to target tissues to exert a specific effect.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • The endocrine system is crucial for regulating metabolism.
  • Diabetes is a disorder affecting endocrine function.

• Noun (referring to a gland):

  • The pituitary is a major endocrine located at the base of the brain.
  • Several endocrines, like the thyroid, help control growth.

• Noun (referring to a secretion):

  • Insulin is a vital endocrine for controlling blood sugar levels.
  • The endocrine released by the adrenal gland prepares the body for stress.

Advanced Usage

• Endocrine disruptor: A chemical substance that interferes with the function of the endocrine (hormone) system.
  • Some plastics contain endocrine disruptors that can affect hormonal balance.

Variants and Related Words

• Endocrinology (n): The branch of physiology and medicine concerned with endocrine glands and hormones.

  • She specialized in endocrinology to study hormonal disorders.

• Endocrinal (adj): A less common variant meaning the same as 'endocrine' (relating to endocrine glands).

  • The endocrinal changes during puberty are significant.

Synonyms

• Adjective: Hormonal, glandular (specifically ductless glands).
• Noun (for gland): Ductless gland, hormone gland.
• Noun (for secretion): Hormone, internal secretion, chemical messenger.

Related Phrases

• Endocrine system: The collective system of endocrine glands and their hormonal secretions.

  • The endocrine system works closely with the nervous system.

• Endocrine gland: The specific term for a gland that secretes hormones.

  • The pancreas functions as both an exocrine and an endocrine gland.

Adjective

1. of or belonging to endocrine glands or their secretions
   • endocrine system

Noun

1. any of the glands of the endocrine system that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream
2. the secretion of an endocrine gland that is transmitted by the blood to the tissue on which it has a specific effect