First Known Use: 1692
Dictionary
1gland
noun \ˈgland\
Definition of GLAND
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 (as a nectary) of plants
— gland·less \ˈgland-ləs\ adjective
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Origin of GLAND
French glande, from Old French, glandular swelling on the neck, gland, ultimately from Latin gland-, glans acorn; akin to Greek balanos acorn
Other Anatomy Terms
2gland
noun
Definition of GLAND
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
Origin of GLAND
origin unknown
First Known Use: 1839
GLANDLESS Defined for Kids
gland
noun \ˈgland\
Definition of GLAND for Kids
: a cluster of cells or an organ in the body that produces a substance (as saliva, sweat, or bile) to be used by the body or given off from it
Medical Dictionary
gland
noun \ˈgland\
Medical Definition of GLAND
1
: 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
—gland·less \ˈglan-dləs\ adjective
Learn More About GLAND
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