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.
In number theory, a deficient or deficient number is a number n for which the sum of divisors Ï(n)<2n, or, equivalently, the sum of proper divisors (or aliquot sum) s(n)<n. The value 2n â Ï(n) (or n â s(n)) is called the number's deficiency.