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.
Also found in: Dictionary, Thesaurus, Legal, Encyclopedia, Wikipedia. Related to secondary deficiency: primary deficiency. Nutrition A deficiency state due to either â requirement for a substanceâeg, iron in pregnancy, or â availability or 'wastage' of the nutrient, as in proteinuria in nephrotic syndrome.