gland

noun \ ˈgland \

Definition of gland

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

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glandless

play \ˈgland-ləs\ adjective

Origin and Etymology of gland

French glande, from Old French, glandular swelling on the neck, gland, ultimately from Latin gland-, glans acorn; akin to Greek balanos acorn

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1692

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

Other Anatomy Terms

bilateral symmetry, carotid, cartilage, dorsal, entrails, prehensile, renal, solar plexus, supine, thoracic, ventral

gland

noun

Definition of gland

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

Origin and Etymology of gland

origin unknown

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1839

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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GLAND Defined for Kids

gland

noun \ ˈgland \

Definition of gland for Students

: a cluster of cells or an organ in the body that produces a substance (as saliva, sweat, or bile) to be used by the body or given off from it

Medical Dictionary

gland

noun \ ˈgland \

medical Definition of gland

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

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