endocrine
Americanadjective
-
secreting internally into the blood or lymph.
-
of or relating to an endocrine gland or its secretion.
noun
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an internal secretion; hormone.
adjective
noun
Etymology
Origin of endocrine
1910–15; endo- + -crine < Greek krī́nein to separate
Explanation
The adjective endocrine describes the glands in your body that secrete hormones into your blood. The hormones released by your endocrine glands have an effect on almost every function of your body. Endocrine can refer to the glands in your body — called endocrine glands — and it also can describe the larger system that includes your glands and your hormones, called the endocrine system. The endocrine system is responsible for lots of functions, including regulating growth, metabolism, and even your mood. So the next time you’re in a really good mood, thank your endocrine secretions.
Vocabulary lists containing endocrine
Life Science: Human Systems
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STAAR Biology: Biological Processes and Systems
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Life Science II
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
These chemicals, Mr. Paxton says, “may be associated with endocrine disruption, infertility, cancer, and other health issues.”
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026
In a similar vein, astronauts who have spent six months in space show damage to their arteries and endocrine system that is consistent with over a decade of aging.
From Slate • Mar. 1, 2026
These include bisphenols, parabens, and phthalates, which are widely recognized as endocrine disruptors.
From Science Daily • Nov. 28, 2025
The United States Environmental Protection Agency banned the use of deca-BDE in 2021 after the chemical was linked to cancer, endocrine and thyroid issues, and a host of other ailments.
From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 18, 2024
Those chemicals have been proven to cause cancer, damage nerve cells, and disrupt your endocrine system—your hormones.
From "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
