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.
Webster's Dictionary defines the word defect: de-fect (de'fekt; also, and for v. always, di fekt') n. [<L.pp. of. deficere, to fail < de-, from + facere, to do] 1. lack of something necessary for completeness; shortcoming 2. an. imperfection; fault; blemish.