exocrine gland

noun

1. any of several glands, as the salivary glands, that secrete externally through a duct.

exocrine gland

noun

1. any gland, such as a salivary or sweat gland, that secretes its products through a duct onto an epithelial surface

exocrine gland

/ ĕk′sə-krĭn,-krēn /

1. Any gland of the body that produces secretions and discharges them into a cavity or through a duct to the surface of the body. In mammals, the sweat glands and mammary glands are exocrine glands.

Word History and Origins

Origin of exocrine gland¹

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

After exposure to S. invicta venom, N. fulva applies abdominal exocrine gland secretions to its cuticle.

From Science Magazine