appestat

American  

[ap-uh-stat] / ˈæp əˌstæt /

noun

1. a presumed region in the human brain, possibly the hypothalamus, that functions to adjust appetite.

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appestat British  

/ ˈæpɪstæt /

noun

1. a neural control centre within the hypothalamus of the brain that regulates the sense of hunger and satiety

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Etymology

Origin of appestat

appe(tite) + -stat

Example Sentences

Physiologically, people overeat because what Dr. Jolliffe calls the "appestat" is set too high.

From Time Magazine Archive

The appestat, which adjusts the appetite to keep weight constant, is located, says Jolliffe, in the hypothalamus �near the body's temperature, sleep and water-balance controls.

From Time Magazine Archive

The main thing, he insists, is for the dieter to realize that his appestat has been set too high and has to be set lower.

From Time Magazine Archive

In rare cases, diseases such as encephalitis or a pituitary tumor may damage the appestat permanently, destroying nearly all sense of satiety.

From Time Magazine Archive