gland Hear it!

gland1 definition

gland (gland)

noun

  1. any organ or specialized group of cells that produces secretions, as insulin or bile, or excretions, as urine: some glands, as the liver and kidneys, have ducts that empty into an organ: the ductless (or endocrine) glands, as the thyroid and adrenals, secrete hormones
  2. loosely any similar structure that is not a true gland lymph glands
  3. Bot. an organ or layer of cells that produces and secretes some substance

Etymology: Fr glande < OFr glandre < L glandula, tonsil, dim. of glans (gen. glandis), acorn (< IE base *gwel-, oak, acorn > Gr balanos)

gland2 definition

gland (gland)

noun

Mech. a movable part that compresses the packing in a stuffing box

Etymology: < ?

Comments


Do you have more to add? Sign in to share your linguistic knowledge or observation.

Connect with Facebook