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uropygial gland
noun
, Ornithology.
- a gland opening on the back at the base of the tail in most birds that secretes an oily fluid used by the bird in preening its feathers.
uropygial gland
noun
- a gland, situated at the base of the tail in most birds, that secretes oil used in preening
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Word History and Origins
Origin of uropygial gland1
First recorded in 1865–70
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Example Sentences
Among the substances produced by birds are the secretions of the uropygial gland, which may be pigmented orange, red or yellow.
From US News
They also found evidence that the birds transferred carotenoids from their uropygial gland to their feathers by rubbing their head on their neck, breast and back feathers.
From US News
They then looked for the pigments that may tinge the plumage both in the secretions of the uropygial gland and on the surface of feathers.
From US News
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