adj

pineal

PIH-neerl

Pineal (adj) means relating to the pineal gland, a small pinecone-shaped gland in the brain that produces melatonin. Example: “The pineal gland helps regulate our sleep cycle.”

adj

Relating to the pineal gland, a small pinecone-shaped gland in the brain that produces melatonin.

"The pineal gland helps regulate our sleep cycle."

"Doctors scanned the pineal region for abnormalities."

How to use pineal

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishDescribing the tiny brain gland shaped like a pine cone that controls your sleep-wake rhythm.

Memory tip

You will almost always see this word paired with "gland."

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

pineal gland

Word forms

more pineal comparative, pineals plural, most pineal superlative

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Fill the gap

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The _____ gland helps regulate our sleep cycle.

Etymology

From Latin pinea, "pine cone" — the gland is named for its small cone-like shape.

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for pineal

deal zeal teal real meal seal heal peal veal Neal beal ideal

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Frequently asked questions

What does “pineal” mean?

The word “pineal” means relating to the pineal gland, a small pinecone-shaped gland in the brain that produces melatonin. In plain terms, describing the tiny brain gland shaped like a pine cone that controls your sleep-wake rhythm.

How do you pronounce “pineal”?

“Pineal” is pronounced PIH-neerl (/ˈpɪnɪəl/ in IPA).

How do you use “pineal” in a sentence?

Here is “pineal” used in a sentence: “The pineal gland helps regulate our sleep cycle.”

What part of speech is “pineal”?

“Pineal” is an adjective.

Where does the word “pineal” come from?

The word “pineal” comes from Latin. From Latin pinea, "pine cone" — the gland is named for its small cone-like shape.