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
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
Dr. Andrew Bernstein, Boston Herald, 13 Aug. 2025
It is made up of erectile tissues, nerves, and glands.
—Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 11 Aug. 2025
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to mistakenly attack the thyroid gland, which controls metabolism and plays a major role in how organs function.
—Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 11 Aug. 2025
Less commonly, sodium or potassium can be too high from dehydration or conditions related to the adrenal glands (glands located above the kidneys).
—Ruth Jessen Hickman, Health, 9 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gland
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Noun
The rash may develop without any other symptoms, or it may be associated with headache, chills, fever, fatigue, muscle and joint pain, and swollen glands, especially those in the neck or groin.
—Dr. Andrew Bernstein, Boston Herald, 13 Aug. 2025
It is made up of erectile tissues, nerves, and glands.
—Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 11 Aug. 2025
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to mistakenly attack the thyroid gland, which controls metabolism and plays a major role in how organs function.
—Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 11 Aug. 2025
Less commonly, sodium or potassium can be too high from dehydration or conditions related to the adrenal glands (glands located above the kidneys).
—Ruth Jessen Hickman, Health, 9 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gland
Cite this Entry
“Gland.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gland. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
gland
noun1
: 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
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