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
Lauren Panoff, Mph, Rd, Verywell Health, 4 Nov. 2024
While whales and dolphin kidneys are extremely efficient at filtering salt from sea water, marine reptiles and birds instead rely on specialized glands to rid their systems of the potentially harmful minerals.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 30 Oct. 2024
Dogs subject to gland removal are often left with a painfully dry eye, one veterinarian testified in court.
—Bymeredith Wadman, science.org, 28 Oct. 2024
There's nothing quite like pulling a wheelie on a motorcycle for firing up the adrenalin glands.
—Mike Hanlon, New Atlas, 20 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for gland 
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Noun
Excess insulin can trigger the glands in your skin to produce more sebum, an oily substance that clogs pores and creates an environment conducive to acne development.7
4.
—Lauren Panoff, Mph, Rd, Verywell Health, 4 Nov. 2024
While whales and dolphin kidneys are extremely efficient at filtering salt from sea water, marine reptiles and birds instead rely on specialized glands to rid their systems of the potentially harmful minerals.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 30 Oct. 2024
Dogs subject to gland removal are often left with a painfully dry eye, one veterinarian testified in court.
—Bymeredith Wadman, science.org, 28 Oct. 2024
There's nothing quite like pulling a wheelie on a motorcycle for firing up the adrenalin glands.
—Mike Hanlon, New Atlas, 20 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for gland
Dictionary Entries Near gland
Cite this Entry
“Gland.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gland. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
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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