I. ˈendəkrə̇n; -ˌkrin, -rīn, -rēn adjective
Etymology: International Scientific Vocabulary end- + -crine (from Greek krinein to separate) — more at certain
1. : secreting internally ; specifically : producing secretions that are distributed in the body by way of the blood stream rather than discharged through ducts — used of glands (as the thyroid, suprarenal, and pituitary) that secrete hormones
2. : of, relating to, or associated with a hormone
3. : of or belonging to an endocrine gland : like that of an endocrine gland
II. noun
also en·do·crin -_krə̇n, -ˌkrin
( -s )
1. : a secretion leaving the gland producing it by way of the circulatory system : hormone
2. : endocrine gland