endocrine gland

noun

: a gland (such as the thyroid or the pituitary) that produces an endocrine secretion

called also ductless gland

Word History

First Known Use

1914, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of endocrine gland was in 1914

Dictionary Entries Near endocrine gland

endocrine

endocrine gland

endocrinic

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Endocrine gland.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/endocrine%20gland. Accessed 7 Feb. 2023.

Copy Citation

Share

Kids Definition

endocrine gland

noun
: any of various glands that have no duct and release their secretions directly into the lymph or blood circulating through them

called also ductless gland

Medical Definition

endocrine gland

noun
: a gland (as the thyroid or the pituitary) that produces an endocrine secretion

called also ductless gland, gland of internal secretion

More from Merriam-Webster on endocrine gland

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about endocrine gland

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of acquiesce

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

Words Named After People

  • name tags
  • Namesake of the leotard, Jules Léotard had what profession?
Spell It

Hear a word and type it out. How many can you get right?

TAKE THE QUIZ
Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can with using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.

Can you make 12 words with 7 letters?

PLAY
Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games