amygdala
2 synonyms for amygdala, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — An almond-shaped cluster of nerve tissue deep in the brain that plays a central role in processing emotions such as fear and pleasure.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
amygdaloid nucleus
corpus amygdaloideum
How to use amygdala
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
amygdala response
the amygdala hijack
activate the amygdala
Etymology
From Greek amygdale, "almond," borrowed via Latin — named for the structure’s almond-like shape.
Full origin of amygdala →Frequently asked questions
What does “amygdala” mean?
The word “amygdala” means an almond-shaped cluster of nerve tissue deep in the brain that plays a central role in processing emotions such as fear and pleasure. In plain terms, the brain’s emotion-processing centre, especially involved in fear and threat responses.
How do you pronounce “amygdala”?
“Amygdala” is pronounced uh-MIHG-duh-luh (/əˈmɪɡ.də.lə/ in IPA).
How do you use “amygdala” in a sentence?
Here is “amygdala” used in a sentence: “The amygdala lights up on brain scans when a person feels frightened.”
What part of speech is “amygdala”?
“Amygdala” is a noun.
Where does the word “amygdala” come from?
The word “amygdala” comes from Latin. From Greek amygdale, "almond," borrowed via Latin — named for the structure’s almond-like shape.
