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
Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 June 2025
Per the Cleveland Clinic, the autoimmune disorder affects the thyroid gland, resulting in the overproduction of the thyroid hormone, also known as hyperthyroidism, the most common cause of which is Graves’ disease.
—Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 14 June 2025
Some of the most striking-looking caterpillars have bodies covered with sharp hairs or spines connected to a poison gland under the insect’s skin.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 1 Apr. 2025
The new species was identified by its glands, body size, scale pattern and other subtle physical features, the study said.
—Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 4 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gland
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Noun
When the gland’s duct is blocked, a swelling or stye may result.
—Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 June 2025
Per the Cleveland Clinic, the autoimmune disorder affects the thyroid gland, resulting in the overproduction of the thyroid hormone, also known as hyperthyroidism, the most common cause of which is Graves’ disease.
—Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 14 June 2025
Some of the most striking-looking caterpillars have bodies covered with sharp hairs or spines connected to a poison gland under the insect’s skin.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 1 Apr. 2025
The new species was identified by its glands, body size, scale pattern and other subtle physical features, the study said.
—Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 4 Mar. 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 2 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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