noun
amygdala
uh-MIHG-duh-luh
noun
1
An almond-shaped cluster of nerve tissue deep in the brain that plays a central role in processing emotions such as fear and pleasure.
"The amygdala lights up on brain scans when a person feels frightened."
"Researchers study the amygdala to understand anxiety disorders."
How to Use Amygdala
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe brain’s emotion-processing centre, especially involved in fear and threat responses.
Common pairings
amygdala response
the amygdala hijack
activate the amygdala
Word Forms
amygdalas plural, amygdalae plural
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The _____ lights up on brain scans when a person feels frightened.
Etymology
From Greek amygdale, "almond," borrowed via Latin — named for the structure’s almond-like shape.