HealthSeptember 8, 2026

amygdalae

uh-MIG-duh-lee

Definition

The plural form of amygdala, referring to the small, almond-shaped structures in the brain that play a primary role in processing emotions and stress responses.

How do you pronounce amygdalae?

Amygdalae is pronounced uh-MIG-duh-lee (IPA: //əˈmɪɡdəli//).

Listen: how to say amygdalae

Where does amygdalae come from?

Derived from the Greek word 'amygdale', meaning 'almond,' because of the structure's physical shape. It entered English via New Latin as a scientific anatomical term.

In the news

The article uses this term to explain that alcohol exposure during pregnancy can lead to physical abnormalities, specifically resulting in smaller amygdalae in the brains of newborns.

What Is a Safe Amount of Alcohol During Pregnancy?

Read the full article ↗

Psychology Today

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