Cushing's syndrome is the result of the excessive production of corticosteroids by the adrenal glands. An overproduction of corticotropin (ACTH) - the hormone that controls the adrenal gland - by the pituitary gland, which stimulates the adrenal glands to produce corticosteroids, may be one cause. It is called Cushing's disease and the result of ACTH-secreting pituitary adenoma. Alt.
deficiency. a lack or shortage; a condition characterized by the presence of less than the normal or necessary supply or competence. color vision deficiency see color vision deficiency.
n, pl -cies. 1. the state or quality of being deficient. 2. a lack or insufficiency; shortage. 3. (Accounting & Book-keeping) another word for deficit. 4. (Genetics) biology the absence of a gene or a region of a chromosome normally present.