Meaning & use
amygdalae
Last updated
“amygdalae” is a form of “amygdala”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meaning
nounpluraltechnical
The two almond-shaped clusters of nerve cells deep in the brain that help process emotions, especially fear.
Grammar: Plural of amygdala: one amygdala, two amygdalae.
Patterns
- amygdalae in the brain
- activity in the amygdalae
The scan showed increased activity in both amygdalae when the volunteers saw frightening images.
The amygdalae are part of the limbic system.
Damage to the amygdalae can change how people react to danger.
Common combinations
- activity in the amygdalae
- Researchers measured activity in the amygdalae during the test.
- damage to the amygdalae
- Damage to the amygdalae can reduce fear responses.
- stimulate the amygdalae
- Strong emotions stimulate the amygdalae.
- scan the amygdalae
- Doctors scanned the amygdalae of patients with anxiety.
Word family
- amygdala noun
- the singular form
- amygdalas noun
- the English plural form
- amygdaloid adjective
- relating to or shaped like an amygdala
- limbic system noun
- the brain network that includes the amygdalae
Commonly confused: amygdalae or hippocampus?
amygdalae vs hippocampus
The hippocampus is a nearby brain structure mainly linked with memory. The amygdalae are linked mainly with emotion.
Practice
What is the singular of amygdalae?
Choose one answer.
Amygdalae is the Latin plural of amygdala. The other options are not standard forms.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “amygdalae”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.