amygdale cérébrale
feminine
The English word amygdala is translated into French as amygdale cérébrale.
In a general medical context, the word amygdale on its own refers to the tonsils in the throat.
Meaning: brain region (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word amygdale literally means tonsil in French, which is why the anatomical term for the brain region is amygdale cérébrale.
Which one should you use?
If you use amygdale without the adjective cérébrale, a French speaker will assume you are referring to the tonsils in the throat.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because amygdale begins with a vowel, the definite article la elides to l’ in the singular form (e.g., l'amygdale). The noun is feminine.
Did you know?
- In French, the word amande (almond) and amygdale (tonsil/amygdala) are distinct, but both traces of their roots point back to the shape of an almond. This reflects how ancient scientists described anatomy based on resemblance to food.
- The French word amygdale is a linguistic relative of mandorle, a term used in art history to describe the almond-shaped halo surrounding a figure in religious paintings.
Examples in context
- L'amygdale cérébrale joue un rôle crucial dans la peur.The amygdala plays a crucial role in fear.
- Cette zone est l'amygdale cérébrale.This area is the amygdala.
- L'amygdale cérébrale traite les émotions fortes.The amygdala processes strong emotions.
Example conversation
Two students are discussing a biology lesson.
- EmmaQu'est-ce que fait l'amygdale cérébrale ?What does the amygdala do?
- NathanElle traite la peur, Emma.It processes fear, Emma.
- EmmaC'est fascinant pour le cerveau.That is fascinating for the brain.
- NathanOui, Nathan est d'accord.Yes, Nathan agrees.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “amygdala” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries amygdale, CC BY-SA 4.0.
