Langimage
English

amygdala

|a-myg-da-la|

C1

/əˈmɪɡ.də.lə/

emotion processing

Etymology
Etymology Information

'amygdala' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'amygdalum,' where 'amygdal-' meant 'almond.'

Historical Evolution

'amygdalum' transformed into the English word 'amygdala' through Middle English.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'almond,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a part of the brain involved in emotions.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a roughly almond-shaped mass of gray matter inside each cerebral hemisphere, involved with the experiencing of emotions.

The amygdala plays a key role in processing emotions such as fear and pleasure.

Synonyms

Last updated: 2025/07/15 02:51