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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Excess insulin can trigger the glands in your skin to produce more sebum, an oily substance that clogs pores and creates an environment conducive to acne development.7 4. Lauren Panoff, Mph, Rd, Verywell Health, 4 Nov. 2024 While whales and dolphin kidneys are extremely efficient at filtering salt from sea water, marine reptiles and birds instead rely on specialized glands to rid their systems of the potentially harmful minerals. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 30 Oct. 2024 Dogs subject to gland removal are often left with a painfully dry eye, one veterinarian testified in court. Bymeredith Wadman, science.org, 28 Oct. 2024 There's nothing quite like pulling a wheelie on a motorcycle for firing up the adrenalin glands. Mike Hanlon, New Atlas, 20 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for gland 

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 22 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

More from Merriam-Webster on gland

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!