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
Asaf Elia-Shalev, Sun Sentinel, 21 Apr. 2026
This condition, sometimes called nonallergic rhinitis, occurs as older bodies lose some control over blood vessels in the nose and mucus glands.
—Matt Fuchs, Scientific American, 15 Apr. 2026
The species were hunted to extinction in the area in the 16th century, driven by a demand for their fur, meat and castoreum, which is a chemical excreted from a gland at the base of their tails that was used for food flavoring, as well as the perfume industry, per the outlet.
—Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 12 Apr. 2026
Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland doesn't make enough thyroid hormone.
—Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 11 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for gland
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Noun
Researchers had known about peptides for generations — insulin, the diabetes treatment, is one — but those were found through conventional means, in glands and tissues where scientists knew to look.
—Asaf Elia-Shalev, Sun Sentinel, 21 Apr. 2026
This condition, sometimes called nonallergic rhinitis, occurs as older bodies lose some control over blood vessels in the nose and mucus glands.
—Matt Fuchs, Scientific American, 15 Apr. 2026
The species were hunted to extinction in the area in the 16th century, driven by a demand for their fur, meat and castoreum, which is a chemical excreted from a gland at the base of their tails that was used for food flavoring, as well as the perfume industry, per the outlet.
—Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 12 Apr. 2026
Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland doesn't make enough thyroid hormone.
—Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 11 Apr. 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 23 Apr. 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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