gland

The definition of a gland is an organ or group of cells that releases substances or waste from the body.

(noun)

An example of a gland is the thyroid.

See gland in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

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
loosely any similar structure that is not a true gland: lymph glands
Bot. an organ or layer of cells that produces and secretes some substance

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

noun

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

Origin: < ?

See gland in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

a. A cell, a group of cells, or an organ that produces a secretion for use elsewhere in the body or in a body cavity or for elimination from the body.
b. Any of various organs, such as lymph nodes, that resemble true glands but perform a nonsecretory function.
Botany An organ or a structure that secretes a substance.

Origin:

Origin: French glande

Origin: , from Old French glandre

Origin: , alteration of Latin glandula

Origin: , diminutive of glāns, gland-, acorn

noun

A device, such as the outer sleeve of a stuffing box, designed to prevent a fluid from leaking past a moving machine part.

Origin:

Origin: Origin unknown

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gland synonyms

gland medical definition