Definition of "hypophysis"

hypophysis

/haɪˈpɒfɪsɪs/

noun
plural hypophyses
1. (anatomy) The pituitary gland.
  Quotations
  CHAPTER VI / THE DISEASES OF THE HYPOPHYSIS [PITUITARY GLAND]
  1915 - Wilhelm Falta, (trans. Milton Kayton Meyers) The Ductless Glandular Diseases, P. Blakiston's Son & Co. OCLC 4634141, page 231
2. (botany) The top cell of the suspensor in a dicot embryo, which will differentiate to form part of the root cap.
  Quotations
  All the cells of the suspensor, except one, are eventually crushed and obliterated by the growing embryo; this fortunate cell known as the hypophysis is the one in immediate contact with the embryo and plays an important role in the formation of the root apex.
  1995, Trevor A. Thorpe, In Vitro Embryogenesis in Plants, Springer, page 85