# amygdala

/ˌæmɪɡˈdɑɫə/ (US) · /ˌæmɪɡdˈɑːlɐ/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/amygdala
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

a small, almond-shaped part of the brain that helps you feel fear and recognize faces. It is very important for your emotional reactions.

For teachers: a small, almond-shaped structure in the brain's medial temporal lobe, involved in the processing of emotions, particularly fear and anxiety. It plays a central role in the formation of emotional memories and social behavior.

## Examples

- The amygdala helps you feel fear when you see a snake.
- Researchers used functional MRI to observe how the amygdala reacts when subjects are shown images of angry faces.
- Damage to the amygdala can lead to a significant reduction in the ability to experience fear, a condition that has been studied extensively in patients with certain types of brain injury.

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