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
Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 23 Jan. 2025
Additionally, Peach's severe anal gland issues, which will soon require surgery, contributed to her pain and discomfort.
—Justin Gest, Newsweek, 20 Jan. 2025
The thyroid gland, located in the neck, is responsible for the production of thyroid hormone, which helps to regulate metabolism.
—Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 17 Jan. 2025
Atrophic gastritis is a chronic inflammation that leads to the loss of glands that produce enzymes and acids.
—Sayaka Blickenderfer, Phd, Health, 16 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for gland 
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Noun
Extrafloral nectaries are found on peony buds and as a pair of glands at the base of cherry leaves, for example.
—Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 23 Jan. 2025
Additionally, Peach's severe anal gland issues, which will soon require surgery, contributed to her pain and discomfort.
—Justin Gest, Newsweek, 20 Jan. 2025
The thyroid gland, located in the neck, is responsible for the production of thyroid hormone, which helps to regulate metabolism.
—Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 17 Jan. 2025
Atrophic gastritis is a chronic inflammation that leads to the loss of glands that produce enzymes and acids.
—Sayaka Blickenderfer, Phd, Health, 16 Jan. 2025
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 27 Jan. 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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