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
Amaia Gavica,
Miami Herald,
23 June 2026
The kidneys and glands, such as the parathyroid glands, produce hormones such as parathyroid hormone and vitamin D that act as signals to tell bone when to release calcium and phosphate into the bloodstream and when to store them.
—
Priya Bhardwaj,
The Conversation,
22 June 2026
Under its short brownish hairs are hollow spines that connect to toxin glands.
—
Arricca Elin Sansone,
Southern Living,
22 June 2026
Wild beavers went extinct in the UK around 400 years ago, as humans hunted them for their fur, meat and scent gland secretions, which have a musky, vanilla-like fragrance and were used as food flavoring and in perfumes.
—
Laura Paddison,
CNN Money,
18 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for gland
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Noun
Once the toad is positively identified as the invasive species by spotting the poison glands behind its eyes, benzocaine or lidocaine ointment or spray can be used as anesthesia to ensure the toad doesn’t feel pain.
—
Amaia Gavica,
Miami Herald,
23 June 2026
The kidneys and glands, such as the parathyroid glands, produce hormones such as parathyroid hormone and vitamin D that act as signals to tell bone when to release calcium and phosphate into the bloodstream and when to store them.
—
Priya Bhardwaj,
The Conversation,
22 June 2026
Under its short brownish hairs are hollow spines that connect to toxin glands.
—
Arricca Elin Sansone,
Southern Living,
22 June 2026
Wild beavers went extinct in the UK around 400 years ago, as humans hunted them for their fur, meat and scent gland secretions, which have a musky, vanilla-like fragrance and were used as food flavoring and in perfumes.
—
Laura Paddison,
CNN Money,
18 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for gland
Cite this Entry
“Gland.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gland. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.
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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