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
The most likely medical explanation is Sjogren’s syndrome, an autoimmune disease in which the body attacks the glands that make tears and saliva. Amy Marturana Winderl, SELF, 8 July 2025 Initially, Williams thought the symptoms may be triggered by Sjögren’s syndrome, a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s moisture-producing glands. Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 3 July 2025 In 2023, he was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer and had surgery to remove the gland. Eric Olson, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2025 These glands are positioned under your tongue on the floor of your mouth. Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 19 June 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gland.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gland. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.

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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