gland

1 of 2

noun (1)

1
a
: a specialized cell, group of cells, or organ of endothelial origin that selectively removes materials from the blood, concentrates or alters them, and secretes them for further use in the body or for elimination from the body compare endocrine gland, exocrine gland
b
: any of various animal structures suggestive of glands though not secretory in function
2
: any of various secreting organs (such as a nectary) of plants
glandless adjective

gland

2 of 2

noun (2)

1
: a device for preventing leakage of fluid past a joint in machinery
2
: the movable part of a stuffing box by which the packing is compressed

Examples of gland in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
This happens when the thyroid gland in your neck (which can look swollen too!) doesn’t make enough of the hormones that your body needs. Katie Camero, SELF, 23 Oct. 2024 The albatross, too entangled to spread oil from its tail gland to its feathers for waterproofing, was soaked to the skin. Danielle Beurteaux, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Oct. 2024 Thyroid dysfunction, either underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) or overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism), may lead to heart block. Christopher Lee, Verywell Health, 25 Sep. 2024 Meibomian gland expression: A healthcare provider uses tools to gently massage the meibomian (oil) glands, clearing blockages and activating consistent oil production. Lindsay Curtis, Health, 4 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for gland 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'gland.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

French glande, from Old French, glandular swelling on the neck, gland, ultimately from Latin gland-, glans acorn; akin to Greek balanos acorn

Noun (2)

origin unknown

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1692, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun (2)

1839, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of gland was in 1692

Dictionary Entries Near gland

Cite this Entry

“Gland.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gland. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

gland

noun
ˈgland
: a cell or group of cells that makes and secretes a product (as saliva, sweat, bile, or shell) for further use in or for elimination from the plant or animal body

Medical Definition

gland

noun
1
: a cell, group of cells, or organ of endothelial origin that selectively removes materials from the blood, concentrates or alters them, and secretes them for further use in the body or for elimination from the body
2
: any of various animal structures (as a lymph node) suggestive of glands though not secretory in function
glandless adjective

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