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
Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 12 Apr. 2025
Hairs covering the stems, leaves and flowers have glands that secrete a sticky substance that can cause an itchy rash.
—Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 5 Apr. 2025
Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone produced by a gland in the brain.
—Allison Herries, Verywell Health, 31 Mar. 2025
All mammals have a corpus luteum, a temporary gland that remains after an egg follicle is released during menstrual cycles.
—Joshua Rapp Learn, Discover Magazine, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gland
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Noun
The mixture is then filtered through screens of varying sizes to collect the resin glands, resulting in a potent concentrate.
—Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 12 Apr. 2025
Hairs covering the stems, leaves and flowers have glands that secrete a sticky substance that can cause an itchy rash.
—Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 5 Apr. 2025
Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone produced by a gland in the brain.
—Allison Herries, Verywell Health, 31 Mar. 2025
All mammals have a corpus luteum, a temporary gland that remains after an egg follicle is released during menstrual cycles.
—Joshua Rapp Learn, Discover Magazine, 27 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 23 Apr. 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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