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
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
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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
Cite this Entry
“Gland.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gland. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.
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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