apocrine gland

noun

: a gland and especially a sweat gland that secretes a viscous fluid into a hair follicle (as in the armpit or groin), is lined with a single layer of usually columnar cells, and typically does not become active until puberty

Note: It is now understood that apocrine glands produce a secretion which lacks cellular material and causes little damage to the secreting cell. While this secretion pattern is more closely related to the merocrine than the apocrine type, these glands continue to be referred to as apocrine glands because of their uniquely characteristic large secretory lumen and milky secretion.

compare eccrine gland

Examples of apocrine gland in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Cleveland Clinic says the most effective prevention is a consistent and thorough bathing routine with regular showers and antibacterial soap focused on areas where apocrine glands sit, like the groin and armpits. — Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Oct. 2026

Cleveland Clinic recommends regular showers that focus on areas with apocrine glands, like the groin and armpits, plus an antibacterial soap to kill odor-causing bacteria. — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 6 Oct. 2026

Stress matters too, Dove notes, since mood swings, anxiety and elevated cortisol prompt extra sweat from the apocrine glands. — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 5 Oct. 2026

That extra perspiration tends to come from the apocrine glands in the underarms and groin, which produce the thicker, fat- and protein-rich sweat that bacteria feast on. — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 5 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1930, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for apocrine gland

• ampersand
• beforehand
• behindhand
• bottomland
• contraband
• countermand
• dixieland
• fairyland
• fatherland
• firebrand
• hinterland
• motherland