Endocrine
/ˈɛn.də.kraɪn/noun
Relating to glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream.
Did you know?The word was coined in modern scientific French by physiologist Étienne-Émile Baulieu’s predecessors in the late 19th century from Greek roots meaning “within” and “to separate/secrete,” turning the body into a system of hidden inner messaging.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
éndon + krínein
““within” + “to separate, decide, judge, secrete””
Late 19th Century
French
endocrine
“A term for internal secretion, contrasting with external secretion”
Early 20th Century
English
endocrine
“Relating to glands that release hormones into the blood”
Modern English
English
endocrine
“Pertaining to the hormone-secreting gland system”