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an almond-shaped part, as a tonsil.
a ganglion of the limbic system adjoining the temporal lobe of the brain and involved in emotions of fear and aggression.
Contemporary Examples

That suggests that “the amygdala is quite sensitive to the quality of maternal care,” says Lupien.
How Sad Moms Change a Child’s Brain Sharon Begley August 21, 2011

Psychopaths lack fear, conscience, and morality—functions critically subserved by the amygdala.
What Made the Boston Bombers Do It Adrian Raine May 2, 2013

His aorta and amygdala do not receive this information by automatic transfer.
Does Fatherhood Make You Healthy? Anneli Rufus September 28, 2011

These feelings are stored separately, in the brain region called the amygdala.
How to Erase Your Memories Casey Schwartz November 6, 2008

One limbic structure affected by this early maldevelopment is the amygdala, which generates emotions like fear.
What Made the Boston Bombers Do It Adrian Raine May 2, 2013

Historical Examples

The common English name is from the Latin amandola, corrupted from amygdala.
The Nut Culturist Andrew S. Fuller

noun (pl) -lae (-ˌliː)
(anatomy) an almond-shaped part, such as a tonsil or a lobe of the cerebellum
n.

“the tonsils,” 1540s (amygdal), from Latin, from Greek amygdale “almond” (see almond). The anatomical use is as a direct translation of Arabic al-lauzatani “the two tonsils,” literally “the two almonds,” so called by Arabic physicians for fancied resemblance. From early 15c. as amygdales “tonsils;” as “almonds” from mid-12c.

amygdala a·myg·da·la (ə-mĭg’də-lə)
n. pl. a·myg·da·lae (-lē)

An almond-shaped mass of gray matter in the front part of the temporal lobe of the cerebrum. Also called amygdaloid nucleus.

The cerebellar tonsil.

Any of the lymphatic tonsils.

amygdala
(ə-mĭg’də-lə)
Plural amygdalae (ə-mĭg’də-lē)
An almond-shaped mass of gray matter in the front part of the temporal lobe of the cerebrum that is part of the limbic system and is involved in the processing and expression of emotions, especially anger and fear.