glandular

adjective

glan·​du·​lar ˈglan-jə-lər 

1

a

: of, relating to, or involving glands, gland cells, or their products

b

: having the characteristics or function of a gland

2

a

: innate, inherent

the almost glandular … instinct for adventure and romance

—Newsweek

b

: physical, sexual

glandularly adverb

Examples of glandular in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In a strike, the animal releases a toxin from glandular cells at the base of one of the barbs. —Katharine Gammon, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 June 2024

Breast density measures how much fibrous and glandular tissue (referred to as fibroglandular tissue) there is in the breast relative to fat tissue. —Dominique Fluker, Essence, 9 Oct. 2023

Breast cancer is known to develop in glandular tissue, so having more tissue may allow abnormal cells to grow. —Dominique Fluker, Essence, 9 Oct. 2023

How, exactly, did the glandular secretions from a male deer — that would be the musk aroma used in perfumes — become a symbol of luxury? —Curbed Staff, Curbed, 10 Mar. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1740, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing glandular

• glandular fever

Kids Definition

glandular

adjective

glan·​du·​lar ˈglan-jə-lər 

1

: of, relating to, or involving glands, gland cells, or their products

glandular activity

2

: having the traits or activities of a gland

glandular tissue

glandularly adverb

Medical Definition

glandular

adjective

glan·​du·​lar ˈglan-jə-lər 

1

: of, relating to, or involving glands, gland cells, or their products

2

: having the characteristics or function of a gland

glandular tissue