mammary gland

noun

: any of the large compound modified sebaceous glands that in female mammals are modified to secrete milk, are situated ventrally in pairs, and usually terminate in a nipple

Examples of mammary gland in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Instead, it’s primarily found in the mammary glands, and therefore in the milk the cows produce. —Alice Park, TIME, 12 July 2024

Levels also were high in the mammary glands of two mice – even though the mice were not lactating. —Kristen Jordan Shamus, USA TODAY, 3 June 2024

Subsequent analysis found that the mice had high levels of H5N1 bird flu virus in their respiratory tracts, as well their hearts, kidneys, spleens, livers, mammary glands, and brains. —Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 24 May 2024

The dairy cow outbreak has uncovered a fact that had been seen before but not widely noted — mammary glands are susceptible to flu viruses. —Helen Branswell, STAT, 9 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

mammary gland

noun

: one of the large glands that in female mammals produce milk and in males are usually underdeveloped, are located in pairs on the abdominal side of the animal body, and usually end in a nipple

Medical Definition

mammary gland

noun

: any of the large compound sebaceous glands that in female mammals are modified to secrete milk, are situated ventrally in pairs, and usually terminate in a nipple