-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
oil gland
noun
: a gland (as of the skin) that produces an oily secretion: such as
a
: a sebaceous gland
b
Examples of oil gland in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Blue light works on the deeper layers, targeting oil glands, which leads to fewer breakouts.
—Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 4 Jan. 2024
Just like with a stye (and most eyelid bumps), a pimple is caused by an oil gland getting blocked by a mix of skin cells, oil, and keratin, creating inflammation within the follicle.
—Chloe Metzger, Allure, 15 Dec. 2023
While some areas of the body are brimming with oil glands, other areas may require extra care.
—Samantha Mims, Essence, 6 Dec. 2023
The highest concentrations of allergens are found on a cat’s face and neck, due to the location of those oil glands.
—Matt Benoit, Discover Magazine, 20 Apr. 2023
Pimples, also called whiteheads, pustules or papules, are small tender bumps found on the areas of the body where the most oil glands are present, such as on one's face, back, shoulders, and neck.
—Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 12 Aug. 2023
The cause: These random build-ups of keratin, which looks like a pimple under the skin, pop up on areas of the body with a high volume of oil glands.
—Women's Health, 2 May 2023
Topical retinoids can help prevent blackheads by decreasing oil production in oil glands and helping clear out clogged pores.
—Alyssa Hui, Verywell Health, 29 Apr. 2023
That's the work of sebaceous glands, also known as oil glands.
—Dr. Roshini Raj, Health, 26 May 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'oil 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
First Known Use
circa 1836, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near oil gland
Cite this Entry
“Oil gland.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oil%20gland. Accessed 16 Jun. 2024.
Kids Definition
oil gland
noun
: a gland (as of the skin) that gives off an oily substance
Medical Definition
oil gland
noun
: a gland (as of the skin) that produces an oily secretion
specifically
: sebaceous gland
More from Merriam-Webster on oil gland
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about oil gland
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share